Tribute to Women
By Tom Lavis, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
The event will feature a reception at
The
Other honorees are nominated by their peers, who submit a biography about the nominee and her contributions.
A selection committee reviews the biographies with the names removed and makes selections based on the merits of the information provided.
The recipients are
In conjunction with commemorating the
Honkus established the business in 1998 after working in a variety of retail and sales positions.
She is the daughter of
Her parents settled in the area when their parents immigrated to America from
Even with his limited education, Honkus' father supported the family of four children by operating his own business.
Coming from a family filled with love, Honkus credits her parents for instilling great values, moral character and a strong work ethic in her and her three brothers.
Honkus, a 1974 graduate of
She moved to
Within a year, she was offered a manager's position in a new store opening in
When Brooks went out of business, she returned to
In 1994, she was part of an employee group that purchased the stations. In late 1997, the group sold its holdings, which provided Honkus with the resources to fulfill her lifelong dream of opening her own business, Celestial Brides.
In an effort to pay it forward through her business, Honkus has been able to help with the
She has served on various boards throughout the region, including Outstanding Young Woman.
Arts and Letters Award
The Arts and Letters Award will be presented to
Jones was born in
She studied theater at
She performed with the Philadelphia All-City Choir and was a member of the University Choir at Lock Haven.
Jones recently graduated summa cum laude from the
As soon as she and her husband, Keith, became parents, Jones wanted to expose her twin daughters, Ryleigh and Keira, to musical theater.
She realized there was a lack of resources and opportunities available to her daughters in the area.
That prompted Jones to start Johns-town Kids on Stage (KOS), a two-week summer program at the
As registration began for a second session of KOS, the enrollment doubled. With each production, the enrollment has grown and extended beyond the
Currently, the program has grown to more than 70 children from 12 different schools and four counties.
As part of this program, Jones has brought on several high school students who volunteer with the program, all with dreams of one day being a teacher or a performer.
In the fall, Johnstown KOS performed "Annie Jr." for more than 2,000 audience members and hopes to do the same this month at the
Through her efforts, Jones has inspired children to become involved in the performing arts. Many students have used their newfound confidence and passion to also perform at Richland Performing Arts, Bedford Players and
Jones strives to foster growth while helping to develop confidence, teamwork, socialization, a sense of pride in what they are doing and a love and passion for the performing arts.
Business Award
Christopher launched her own
A native of
She started her career in insurance at the age of 17, working for
In 1992, Christopher earned a bachelor's degree in business accounting from
She started her career with
Christopher worked the 1994 Northridge earthquake in
She continued to work catastrophe duty for the next six years.
She is a chartered financial consultant, chartered life underwriter, a member of the
Christopher is an active member of the
In 2013, her agency, as part of a community effort, spearheaded efforts to promote safe teen driving.
She shared her own experience of being badly injured in an accident while not wearing a seat belt.
Christopher broke her back and was not expected to walk, but she persevered.
The campaign resulted in more than 3,000 students and adults in the
Community Service Award
Maksymik has been employed at
Born and raised in
A 1998 graduate of
Upon returning to
Maksymik enjoyed participating in the community outreach activities hosted in partnership with a variety of local organizations.
From cleanup projects and blood drives to nursing home caroling tours and kids' craft nights, these activities were among the most fruitful.
These initiatives led Maksymik to establish a Community Involvement Committee at the community college in 2009. She has served as chair since its inception.
The committee helps organize and promote volunteerism and giving to employees and students, and encourages collaboration with local nonprofits.
Maksymik was chosen by the college for the 2010-2011
The program got her involved with Lift Johnstown, and she has since served on their communications committee, supporting events, volunteer recognition programs, marketing and social media for the organization.
The Communications Committee most recently partnered with the
Maksymik assisted with the implementation of the site, and in training local nonprofit employees to use the site as a marketing tool for their organizations.
She and her husband, Joshua, participate in cleanup and road/trail maintenance efforts.
Education Award
The Education Award recipient is
Ratchford is a native of
She believes her parents' decision to send her to
She feels the structure, guidance and support at Bishop Carroll are very important in building a strong foundation for the students.
She strongly supports the mission of Bishop Carroll to educate students in spirit, heart, mind and body, and the placing of emphasis on being active in the church and school communities.
Ratchford received a bachelor's degree in English from the
She is dedicated to ensuring that faith and academics are at the forefront of the Catholic education provided at Bishop Carroll.
She and her husband of 20 years, Dr.
Believing it is important to be passionate about what means the most to people, especially children and the schools they attend, Ratchford and her husband have been actively involved in their children's grade school and church, Holy Name, and Bishop Carroll for many years.
Ratchford's volunteerism has helped establish strong fundraisers to substantiate funds for
Ratchford has overseen projects strengthening the high school's curriculum and academics, athletics and the arts.
In her time as principal, Ratchford has seen the school's international program double in numbers while academic and athletic honors have increased.
Through her leadership, the school has been able to remain in the
As principal, she is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school's academics pertaining to the students and faculty while she works alongside CEO
The recipient of the Lady liberty Award is Pfc.
Grossman, who resides in
Grossman has been a participant in a variety of pageants through the years and has won several titles.
In 2013, she was
She earned the title of America's
She enjoys keeping physically fit and participates in marathons and 10K and 5K runs.
An avid archery hunter, Grossman also dedicates time as an anti-bullying spokeswoman.
Her community service activities include working on behalf of the
Nonprofit Services Award
Kabo is an executive assistant for Lift Johnstown and coordinates special events, such as the annual
She also is an executive assistant at the
Born and raised in
She relishes being involved in projects to improve the region and working with the bright, young people who are re-energizing the community with their creativity and innovative ideas.
Her work at Sandyvale as special events coordinator involves organizing the annual
Kabo earned an associate degree in specialized business and legal secretarial from
From 1975 to 1990, she was a stay-at-home mom to their three children, Jennifer, Jason and Christopher.
Kabo re-entered the workforce as secretary/office manager at
During her 15 years at Crown, she served as administrative support in the real estate mall division, executive assistant to the CEO, assistant corporate secretary to the board and administrative assistant to Chief Administrative Officer
Professions Award
Gunby is an assistant vice president in human resources at
She was born and raised in
She is the daughter of
Following her high school graduation, Gunby followed a variety of career paths that have led to her continued success.
She has worked in the fields of cosmetology, nursing, retail, customer service, training, education, career development and human resources management.
After high school, she attended the
She became a certified nursing assistant and worked in the health field.
Gunby attended
Gunby understands that her diverse background has been beneficial. She is career-minded and passionate about her work.
She enjoys helping others and sharing her wisdom through volunteer work, teaching, training, presenting and coaching.
Gunby is involved with developing the youth of the region.
She presents at many events, including the
She also holds a multitude of local board positions.
She is the board treasurer for the
She also is a fitness instructor, a Sunday school teacher and a small business owner of
She and her husband,
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