2010 Girl Scouts Women of Distinction
by February 5, 2010 7:06 am 83 views
story and photos by Joel Rafkin
Three new members join a list of 61 other women from the Fort Smith area who have been named Girl Scouts Women of Distinction since 1995.
The awards were presented to Zena Featherston Marshall, Louise Turner and Tracy Winchell on Thursday evening (Feb. 4) at the Girl Scouts-Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas 2010 Women of Distinction Awards Dinner held at the Fort Smith headquarters of Golden Living.
The award recognizes women who are positive role models for all women and who provide leadership as well as donate their time and expertise to the community.
Denise Stewart, CEO of the Girl Scouts-Diamonds presented the awards following dinner prepared by Golden Living Executive Chef Mickey Sellard. The awards were inscribed glass fashioned and faceted to resemble a large diamond.
Speaking of diamonds, Newton’s Jewelers donated a diamond that was given away as a door prize. Cards with a series of numbers were passed out to each person in attendance. A process of elimination began as specific numbers in certain locations were identified and persons holding those cards were eliminated. It came down to three finalists — each holding a card with the number 031212. Why 031212? Because that is the date of the founding of the Girl Scouts organization. Three bags sat on a table with one containing the diamond and the other two with consolation prizes. Karen Tyler picked the lucky bag.
AWARD WINNERS
• Zena Featherston Marshall
Marshal is the director of communications for the Fort Smith Public Schools. She volunteers for the Girl Scouts and has recruited other volunteers for the Girl Scouts. Marshall also donates her time to the Fort Smith Little Theatre where she assists with costume creation and set building.
• Louise Turner
Turner was the children’s librarian at the Fort Smith Public library for 38 years before her retirement in 2007. An expert story teller, Turner inspires countless children to adopt a love for reading. She has taught the art of storytelling at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and at Arkansas Library Association conferences. Her volunteer efforts extend to schools, day care centers and continuing education programs.
• Tracy Winchell
Winchell played a pivotal role in Fort Smith being chosen as the site for the U.S. Marshals Museum. She also was a key figure in the successful fight to keep the 188th Fighter Wing stationed in Fort Smith despite the Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations to close the military facility. Winchell is the economic development coordinator for the City of Fort Smith and organizer/host for the Citizens Academy — a 12-session program designed to give residents first-hand experiences with all facets of city government operations.
