The 6th grade honorees of the American Association of University Women. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

With the sun shining brightly and birds chirping in the trees, families packed the Toledo Reinig Center for the annual AAUW Young Women of the Year event this last Sunday. The local Tama-Toledo branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) held its annual ceremony to highlight twenty-four South Tama and Meskwaki Settlement students. Eight girls from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades were selected to be honored for demonstrating academic excellence. The 24 students were selected by their teachers for such an honor.

The yearly event hosts approximately 100 family members of the honorees, as well as their teachers. Those in attendance ate lunch at the buffet before the awards ceremony kicked off, and the AAUW members presented the students with their certificates.

Each recipient was introduced by an AAUW member, who read aloud the glowing nomination letter that brought that student there. The recipients were awarded with a framed certificate and an inspirational bookmark.

AAUW member Becca Chyma gave a synopsis of the association’s goals.

“The mission of AAUW is to promote equality for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change. AAUW wishes to thank all Middle School educators from STC and Meskwaki Settlement School who support our event by selecting outstanding students. These busy professionals make this ceremony possible with their letters of nomination,” she said.

The 7th grade honorees of the American Association of University Women. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

The local branch of AAUW meets every month to “discuss pertinent issues, gain knowledge from informative programs, and develop strong relationships with fellow members.” Current members of the AAUW are Becca Chyma, Sue Haughey, Joanna Hofer, Teresa Hofer, Trudy Koch, Ann Kuhter, Joyce Legg, Karen Mixdorf, Carol Meyer, Kim Nelson, Marsha Keahna, Tieranny Keahna, Pam Rutledge, Sally Willett, and Berleen Wobeter.

The AAUW is always welcoming to new members.

This year’s honorees for 6th grade are: Ariana Garrett(MSS/ Math), Kalla Hrabak(STC/ Math),Clara Youngbear(MSS/ Soc. Studies), Georgia Wadey(STC/ Soc. Studies), Amiyah Youngbear-Roberts(MSS/ Science), Reese Boldt(STC/ Science), Tia Furcap(MSS/ Literacy), and Lillian Stotts(STC/ Literacy).

This year’s honorees for 7th grade are: Emma Roberts(MSS/ Math), Virginia Garcia(STC/ Math), Josephine Furcap(MSS/Soc. Studies), Tavia Rosenberger(STC/ Soc. Studies), Maya Wanatee(MSS Science), Kendra Youngbear(STC/Science) ,Naya Walker(MSS/ Literacy),and Peyton Gibson(STC/ Literacy).

This year’s Honorees for 8th grade are: Aja Walker(MSS/ Math), Olivia McOmber(STC/ Math), Aubree Garrett(MSS/ Soc. Studies), Kiya Smith(STC/ Soc. Studies), Ava Roberts(MSS/ Science), Allison Rocha-Ayala(STC/ Science), Gladys Bruguier(MSS/ Literacy), and Layla Vest(STC/ Literacy).

The 8th grade honorees of the American Association of University Women. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS