Honoring a role model: Astronaut will be recognized by Zonta

The Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau will hold its second annual luncheon Friday at the Show Me Center to honor women from the Cape Girardeau area. This year's event will honor Jackson native and NASA astronaut Dr. Linda Godwin. The luncheon raises money for local and international service projects and scholarships.

The luncheon will recognize nominees for this year's Women of Achievement Award and annual scholarship recipients. Nominees include Mary Ann Farmer, Vicki Frank, Linda K. Heitman, PhD, Amy Jacquin, Loretta P. Prater and Loretta A. Schneider, PhD. The winner will be selected based on her professional accomplishments, community involvement, awards and recognitions and essay.

Zonta will also give a special "Celebration" award to Dr. Godwin to recognize unique achievements and contributions of women who serve as role models for all women.

Zonta, a worldwide service organization of professional women works to improve the legal, political, economic, educational and professional status of women. The Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau is a chartered club of Zonta International, dedicated to advance the status of women worldwide through community service projects and contributions.

Locally the club sponsors service projects including literacy efforts, the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence and the Safe House for Women.

The luncheon is at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Show Me Center. Seats must be reserved in advance. For ticket information, call 339-5500.