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 elementary education from Claflin University and holds a master's degree in guidance and student-personnel administration from Teachers College at Columbia University. McDaniel spent 40 years as an educator in Georgia and South Carolina and received a number of honors for her service and contributions.

McDaniel is a member of the NAACP, United Methodist Women, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and S.C. Alliance of Black School Educators. She is also a member of the board for SACS, S.C. Administrators' Leadership Academy, Trinity United Methodist Church Kindergarten, Orangeburg Stevenson Renovation Committee and the Orangeburg Civic Ballet. She is an ambassador for the Orangeburg County Development Commission and serves on the United Methodist Women Community of Women Task Force. She is a life member of the Claflin University International Alumni Association, Orangeburg Chapter. She was married to the late James A. McDaniel, and they have two children -- the late James Jr. and Yvette.

Other honorees of the GSESC 2008 Women of Distinction are:

-- Carol Antman -- Arts

-- Dr. Gwendolyn Brown -- Medicine/Healthcare

-- Lois Scott -- Girl Scout Lifetime Service

-- Deborah Summey -- Government

-- Heather Holbrook -- Media/Communications

-- Carol Linville -- Nonprofit

-- Natalie Parker Bluestein -- Business

-- Lynn Young -- Community/Humanitarian

The 2008 Women of Distinction event will be held Friday, May 9, at the Marriott in Charleston. Individuals, organizations and corporations are invited to attend to show their support and to celebrate the work being accomplished in the Lowcountry. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction and cocktail hour, followed by dinner and the awards presentation.

Amy Lutz, morning news anchor for WCSC TV channel 5, will serve as emcee. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by calling 843-552-9910. Advance ticket purchase is required.

This article was provided by: The Times and Democrat