Zonta honors women at recent luncheon

Several local women were recently recognized for their accomplishments by the Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau.

The Women of Achievement Award went to Lynne Karnes; Nancy Hunter Stiegemeyer was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Erin Rae Fluegge was given the Celebration Award.

Karnes is a first-grade teacher at St. Vincent de Paul Parish School, winning the Missouri Teacher of the Year award in 2008. She recently was highlighted in a Southeast Missourian article, which told of her earning certification to be able to bring moon rocks into the classroom. The Women of Achievement Award is selected by an impartial statewide group.

Stiegemeyer, 88, is a retired library trustee with a proven history of service to others.

Fluegge is an assistant professor at Southeast Missouri State University's Harrison College of Business.

All three of these women are dedicated to the education and literacy of our community and are role models for their work and dedication.

Congratulations, too, to all of the women nominated for the Woman of Achievement Award. There were many nominees worthy of recognition including Dr. Olivia Aranha, Dr. Christy Fowler, Dr. Ann Seabaugh Kinsey, Detective Sgt. Della Moore and Penny Williams.

Zonta is an organization dedicated to the advancement of women. The group raises funds that support women locally and abroad, and its members do volunteer work on special service projects. We tip our caps to the women of Zonta, not just for recognizing these role models, but for the work they do year around.