We celebrate successful women among us

For 10 years the local Zonta organization, at an annual banquet, has recognized leading women for their success.

Each year the nominees are impressive. These are women who have set goals and have reached them, and continue to strive for excellence.

On Friday the organization held its annual luncheon and recognized several women.

* Diane C. Howard, Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Howard is an attorney with the Limbaugh Firm, a position she's held since 1984. In addition to her law work, Howard served in active duty for the U.S. Navy JAG Corps.

* Col. Kimberlee P. Joos, Celebration Award Winner. Joos commands the 17th Training Wing at Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas. She received her commission in 1991 through the Air Force ROTC program.

There were five finalists for the Woman of Achievement award. The nominees included:

* Sandra Bollinger

* Lisa Cook

* Abbie Crites-Leoni

* Laurie Everett

* Kathy Hecht

The award recipient was Abbie Crities-Leoni, magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri. A video tribute to Crites-Leoni featured Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry H. Ferrell and U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. Both colleagues talked about her impressive legal experience. Ferrell said it takes a special person to handle child exploitation cases, which are her primary area. Limbaugh said she was an example for other women who aspire to the judiciary.

Congratulations to all of this year's Zonta award winners and award finalists. Thanks to Zonta for its work, which includes raising more than $270,000 for projects in the community and abroad. Thanks also to sponsors that help the organization honor several of the many successful women in our communities.