Five women were recognized as “Prominent Women with Vision” during the 13th annual “Tribute to African-American Women Awards Banquet” Saturday night at Truman Arnold Center at Texarkana College.

The tribute was hosted by the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

“This event was recognized at the state meeting and received the Best Special Event Award for graduate chapters,” said Brannon Sledge, who attended the Phi Beta Sigma state conference.

Since 1996, the event has saluted 65 women for their positive works and accomplishments.

This year’s winners included Mattye Gouldsby Jones, a DeSoto, Texas, attorney, who was awarded the “Barbara Jordan Distingished Service Award.” Barbara Pitts, director of community development and grants administrator for the City of Texarkana, Ark., was presented the “Sojourner Truth Award.”   more »

Myrtle McDaniel, a retired Orangeburg educator, was recently honored by the Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina as one of its 2008 Women of Distinction. She was recognized for her contributions to education.

According to a press release announcing the honor, each year, GSESC honors women who make a difference in their local communities at its annual Women of Distinction event. The awards are presented in recognition of those women who have demonstrated significant achievement in their careers, made contributions affecting their communities and acted as positive role models for today's young women.

McDaniel retired from Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five as assistant superintendent of instruction and curriculum, where she spearheaded the planning and development of the board-adopted Strategic Plan for the Arts.

She earned her bachelor's degree in   more »