Girl Scouts honor Women of Distinction

They are recognized as community leaders and role models for young women throughout the state. The five Midlands-area women have been named the 2008 Women of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of South Carolina — Mountains to Midlands.

This year’s honorees include Donna Sorensen, Linda C. Stern, Sarah Shuptrine, Patty Patterson and Ann Marie Taylor.

All five have been noted for their community and professional achievements.

• Sorensen of Columbia is a former Girl Scout and has served as chairman of the board of directors for the former Girl Scouts Congaree Council. She is noted for her efforts to enrich the lives of youths, particularly in the area of nutrition.

• Stern of Columbia is a former Congaree Girl Scout. She has served as chairman of the Arts Commission and is noted for having spearheaded significant projects to enhance local South Carolina arts and artists.

• Shuptrine of Columbia is founder of the Southern Institute on Children & Families. She is a local and national spokeswoman for better health care for low-income children.

• Patterson is chief of police for the city of Sumter. In addition to her work in law enforcement, she is noted for her commitment to Girl Scouting and the Sumter community.

• Taylor of Camden is the 2008 S.C. Teacher of the Year. She is noted for her civic and community involvement, her dedication to children with disabilities and for having played an instrumental role in bringing the Special Olympics to Camden.

“I think it helps for young girls to see women who have accomplished goals and who are making a difference,” Shuptrine said. “And to be able to visualize that and to see how these women handle themselves and how they’re able to present themselves is very important.”

Girl Scouting has recognized 72 local women representing various backgrounds during the past 15 years.

This year’s honorees will be formally honored during a recognition and awards dinner April 3 at the Columbia Marriott. The dinner begins at 6 p.m., and tickets are still available.

To buy tickets or for more information, contact Janet Lawrence at (803) 461-3747.