Zonta honorees

Dealing with victims of sexual assault in a way that is compassionate while providing forensic evidence that will hold up in court is service provided by the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, based in Cape Girardeau and serving counties throughout the region. At the Zonta Club's recent Women of Achievement luncheon, the co-founder of the NASV, Kathy Blevins, was honored with this year's award. The special recognition is a tribute both to Blevins and NASV.

Blevins is one of only 104 certified sexual assault nurse examiners in the world. NASV services include counseling, examinations and support for sexual violence victims.

As usual, the Zonta Club had an outstanding lineup of nominees for the prestigious Woman of Achievement award: Chantelle Becking, co-creator of Room For One More; Beverly Cleair, founder of Regional Eyecare Center; Leola Twiggs, 40-year worker at Head Start; Jennifer Hendrickson, founder of Hendrickson Business Advisors; Betty Martin, director of the Cape Girardeau Public Library; Kelly Green, Cape Girardeau city engineer; Dr. Rita Fisher, Jackson School District administrator; and Lynn Ware, coordinator of the Safe Communities program for the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Hats off to all of this year's honorees.