Online tributes recognize 2021 class of 'Awesome Women'

Published 03.24.2021

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Wednesday's "Awesome Woman Exemplar" ceremony, the 16th annual tribute (and the second to be held virtually due to COVID safety protocols), honored 23 Penn College students for notable service to their campus, classmates and community.

The 2021 inductees were applauded by a college administrator and celebrated in slideshow comments from their nominators in a video. Sammie L. Davis, coordinator of diversity and student engagement, welcomed online viewers and introduced the event's keynoter: Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management and associate provost.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTFl4Acpxyo



In her remarks, Strickland – who began the AWE tradition in March 2006 while serving as director of student life – honored the legacy of those "Valiant Women of the Vote" whose tenacity as suffragettes led to ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Characterized by Strickland as "profiles in courage and determination," this year's AWE honorees were encouraged to express their convictions through actions "and to act in ways that positively influence others.""When I think of the courage, the determination, that they embodied and the sacrifices that they were willing to make to literally fight for the right to vote, I am in awe," she said. "The adversity they met, the volatility they endured.

"Valiant women fought for the vote and valiant women continue to use the vote to fight for equality, human rights, education, the climate and other causes that will shape the world for future generations," she added, challenging this year's nominees to continue that work. "How will you honor the valiant women of the past, and of today, to be a force for what is good and positive in our world?"

2021’s Awesome Women Exemplars:

Morgan Byler, Loganton, pre-dental hygiene
Samantha J. Cohick
, Muncy, pre-physician assistant studies
Brooke M. Confer, Howard, physician assistant studies
Shawna-Sue D. Crytser
, Williamsport, health information management
Kathryn M. Faust
, Shamokin, nursing
Caila N. Flanagan
, Williamsport, business administration: management concentration
Gabrielle R. Fries
, Williamsport, physician assistant studies
Ashly M. Gagliardi
, Belle Vernon, civil engineering technology
Rebecca E. High
, Willow Street, applied management
Carly J. Kissinger
, Pottsville, applied human services
Robin L. Kurtz
, Winfield, nursing
Hannah M. Lilley
, Williamsport, accounting
Christine A. Limbert
, Curwensville, building science and sustainable design
Juliana Natalie Lucero
, Upper Darby, applied health studies: occupational therapy assistant concentration
Lacie R. McCabe
, Lehighton, health information technology
Hannah McLaughlin
, Montoursville, nursing
Lauryn Morrison
, Palmyra, human services and restorative justice
Kaitlin E. Port
, Alexandria, physical therapist assistant
Kathleen Ross
, Mifflinburg, nursing
Angelyvette Santana
, Scranton, radiography
Bria O. Schneider, York, occupational therapy assistant
Sophia G. Wiest, Butler, entrepreneurial innovation
Alane D. Zellars, Williamsport, human servies and restorative justice