STE. GENEVIEVE – At the most recent GFWC of Missouri State Conference in Springfield, the Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve again excelled, taking home 33 award certificates, including the Top Club award, which tied an existing record for number of awards. As President Diane Miller exclaimed, “We are a Club that does extremely well at each State Convention”.
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs encourages its members to participate in the awards and contests it offers in order to demonstrate its appreciation as well as provide recognition for work done by members. Contests include competition for the best newsletter, best photograph in four categories, and best short story. Awards are given for club activities and require the submission of reports to the state chairmen for judging.
First place awards from the State judging are sent to GFWC international for judging at their convention New Orleans June 25 – 28, 2022. This year Ste. Genevieve took first place in Arts and Culture, Sophomore Pilgrimage, Facebook Awards, Newsletter Awards, Communications and Public Relations, Legislation and Public Policy, and Yearbook.
This year Ste. Genevieve’s Club received top honors for contributions to Missouri’s signature project; Missouri Girls Town with a Platinum designation and first place in the RAP Awards program.
The Club also received the Betty Bradley Membership Award for the highest increase in membership in District 9 and the highest in Honor Roll Certificates.
Clubwoman Judy Gustafson was again singled out for honors with two separate awards for her contribution to the Missouri Leadership Seminar and the GFWC Gold Circle Award for individually recruiting a cumulative total of over fifty new members.
Club Members received awards for the annual GFWC photography and writing contests. Five photography awards went to Diane Miller, including a first place in “Reflections”. Eileen Roth also took a first place in “Living the Volunteer Spirit”. First place entries advance to the International level. Carolyn Bach received 2nd Place in the short story category.
These awards were announced, along with six awards for student short story and poetry at the May 9, 2022 meeting held at VFW Post 2210.
Outgoing GFWC-Missouri State President Judy Gustafson was recognized for her leadership and service to the GFWC organization by outgoing Ste. Genevieve Club President Diane Miller. Both women received a standing ovation from Club members present for their years of dedication.
Following the awards and announcements, the new slate of officers for the 2022-23 year were installed. In the photo, left to right is Corresponding Secretary Robyn Pipkin, Recording Secretary Eileen Roth, Treasurer Geneva Melcher, President Elect Linda Kreitner, Vice President Dorcas Grass, and President Rosemary Douglas.
The next meeting of the Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve will be in September. For more information on the club, please see www.GFWCMOSteGen.org. The email address for the club is GFWCMOSteGen@gmail.com.
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve is dedicated to strengthening their community and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. They help to create change by supporting the arts, preserving historical and natural resources and advancing education through scholarships.