Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 19, 1992 TAG: 9203190381
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: WENDI GIBSON EAST CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"Be honest and leave the world better than you found it."
Joining the Girl Scouts in their hometown of Bridgewater as children before World War II helped them live up to that goal.
Moving to Roanoke and becoming active in their communities cinched the accomplishment.
Last week, the Virginia Skyline Girl Scout Council honored Pirkey and Warren, along with 23 other women, as Women of Distinction.
These 25 women were lauded for their contributions to their professions and for being positive role models for their community's young women.
Phyllis Olin, a retired school psychologist, summed it up best when she nicknamed the group the "Who's Who in Roanoke."
The Women of Distinction program was initiated as part of the Girl Scouts' 80th anniversary celebration. Nationwide, Girl Scout groups are singling out women for their accomplishments in business, law and government, medicine, education, and arts and philanthropy/volunteer service.
In a national survey of 473 women listed in Who's Who of American Women, 301 said they had once belonged to the Girl Scouts. The survey's results are what led the Girl Scouts of America to recognize Women of Distinction in their own areas.
The Virginia Skyline Council, which stretches from Wytheville and Grayson County to as far east as Halifax County, had a committee select its honorees. The committee selected the 25 Roanoke Valley women from a list of 60. Next year the council plans to open the field for nominations.
While not all of the Women of Distinction were Girl Scouts, at least 16 were active as Scouts or volunteers in their neighborhoods.
Warren, the youngest of five children, followed her oldest sister, Pirkey into Scouting. Warren, who is retiring this month as executive director of Virginia Water Project, was involved in starting Total Action Against Poverty. She also volunteered when her children came up through the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Pirkey, a retired lawyer and teacher, attended Girl Scout Camp May Flather in Northern Virginia, but Warren didn't get to go because of World War II. Pirkey also volunteered in Girl Scouting when her daughters were Scouts.
Other Women of Distinction are:
Victoria Bond - conductor of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, who was voted Woman of the Year in Virginia in 1990 and 1991.
Marilyn R. Donato - nutrition and dietetics consultant.
Helene C. Dreiling - architect, who was a Brownie 1964-65.
Helen W. Ewald - retired secretary with Ewald-Clark Inc., who was one of the first in the Roanoke Valley to earn the Girl Scout's Golden Eaglet, the program's highest award (now the Gold Award).
Jeanne Puckett Fishwick - director of admissions and college counselor at North Cross School.
Deanna W. Gordon - assistant superintendent for Roanoke County Schools.
Dr. Molly Lee Hagan - director of Alleghany Health District of Virginia Department of Health.
Mary Alice Hutcherson - homemaker, who volunteers in the community and her church.
Heidi Krisch - housewife and "professional volunteer."
Elizabeth Dawson Lee - principal at Patrick Henry High School.
Dr. Verna M. Lewis - medical director and chairperson of department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Lewis-Gale Hospital.
Angelica Didier Lloyd - lawyer.
Estelle K. Nichols - administrator of the Bradley Free Clinic.
Phyllis A. Olin - retired school psychologist.
Wendy O'Neil - executive director of YWCA of Roanoke Valley and lifetime Scout.
Christine K. Payne - retired educator and volunteer.
Melinda Jordan Payne - recruiting and training manager, Roanoke Times & World-News.
Sally S. Rugaber - chairwoman of The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge and volunteer.
Peggy Spiegel - businesswoman and owner of For the Birds.
Mary Frances Stephanz - chief executive officer of the Better Business Bureau of Western Virginia.
Elizabeth A. Stout - retired senior secretary for Virginia Skyline Girl Scout Council of 44 years.
Melody S. Stovall - director, Harrison Museum of African American Culture.
Diane M. Strickland - Roanoke Circuit Court judge.
by CNB