In Other Words: Hidden heroines are everywhere

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by Stephanie Fellenstein

Hudson Monthly Editor

It's an exciting time for women across the U.S thanks to Hillary Clinton.

Even if you don't agree with her views on NAFTA, health care or the war in Iraq, Clinton is making history. She is showing women everywhere that they, too, can aim for the top.

She has challenged us to take control of our destinies.

At ages 7 and 4, my daughters don't fully understand the implications of Clinton's candidacy, but they do know something exciting is happening.

They ask why there hasn't been a woman president.

Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio knows all about the importance of strong female role models. In fact, the group honored 10 women for their outstanding volunteerism efforts with a "Hidden Heroine" award at a dinner March 20.

The Hidden Heroine award was developed by the Girl Scouts in 1976 to recognize women who make significant contributions to their communities, states and nation.

The award recognizes those who do not seek attention and continuously help their families, communities, churches and other causes.

According to the Girl Scouts, these women "go above and beyond to share their homes, lives, love, time and talents to benefit those around them."

THIS YEAR the award-winning women come from Akron, Canton, Wadsworth, Chesterland, Mogadore, Uniontown, Shaker Heights and Rootstown. They were nominated by those who recognized their greatness.

"The things that set them apart is their level of volunteering and what their passion is for the organization that they volunteer for," said Angie Smith, representing the Girl Scouts.

"What makes them special is the fact that they have never been recognized for what they do in the community."

Women throughout Northeast Ohio, including Summit and Portage counties, are eligible for the award.

Take a moment to look around at the women in your life. There are hidden heroines everywhere.

There's the bus driver who gets up at the crack of dawn to drive a bus full of loud, laughing and sometimes crazy kids to school every day.

There are teachers who take the time to write notes in their first-graders' journals or who spend hours of their own time each night coming up with fun activities for a class full of preschoolers.

Could the hidden heroine be someone at church, maybe the woman who hugs you at the door before and after Mass?

Or maybe it was the two women working at Subway or the girl at the front door of the art museum, guiding visitors toward an exhibit, with a smile.

Heroines are hidden everywhere. Take time to recognize their contributions. It may not be as huge as running for president, but it is just as important.

Women everywhere are watching.

E-mail: sfellenstein@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3163