Five deserving women were named High Country Women of the Year by All About Women magazine on Thursday, Aug. 8.
Randy Brown, Stacy Cox, Alice Denton, Sandra Hagler and Roberta Jackson were honored after being chosen from a pool of nominations accepted earlier in the year.
Rep. Virginia Foxx assisted magazine editor Sherrie Norris with the presentations following opening remarks by Mountain Times Publications publisher Gene Fowler.
Foxx said being part of uplifting events in her district was like “vitamins” and thanked the women and their families for their contributions to the community.
“We’ve needed over the years to celebrate our heritage and celebrate what we do,” Foxx said, calling the recipients “unsung heroes” who act as role models for others.
Randy Brown of West Jefferson was honored for her Service to the High Country, with a focus on her volunteer role as director of Camp New Hope, a refuge for terminally ill children and their families that allows guests to stay free for one week at a time while all their needs are met.
Stacy Cox, who works with A Safe Home for Everyone in West Jefferson, was awarded for her work advocating for women and victims of domestic abuse and helping them discover new opportunities for success.
Alice Denton, a well-known insurance agent in Boone for more than 40 years who also helped establish High Country Homebuilders Association, was recognized in the category of Business and Professional Leadership.
Sisters Sandra Hagler and Roberta Jackson of Boone shared the honor in Preserving Mountain Heritage for their work in helping to bring the Junaluska community of Boone back to life again and helping to establish the Junaluska Heritage Association and coordinate the annual Junaluska Jubilee.
“We all know that the High Country would not be what it is today without the efforts of these women, and others like them, who have given so much of themselves to make life better for the communities in which they live,” said Norris. “I am very proud to be a part of this event and to be given the freedom with the magazine each month to highlight the accomplishments of amazing women, including these who are being honored today.”
Originally planned as part of the All About Women’s Expo that was scheduled for June 29, the awards ceremony was delayed due to the event’s cancellation. It was held instead at the offices of Mountain Times Publications in Boone.
The awards presentation was attended by family members and friends of the recipients and staff members of the Mountain Times Publications. Bandana’s Bar-B-Q & Grill catered a light lunch.
Learn more about the 2103 High Country Women of the Year in the September issue of All About Women magazine.
