FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Contact: Nanci Gonder, 573-751-0290

First Lady Announces Winners of Inaugural First Lady Awards

JEFFERSON CITY - First Lady Melanie Blunt today announced the winners of the inaugural First Lady Awards. The nominees and recipients will be honored at a ceremony on March 4, 2008. Mrs. Blunt contacted each of the winners this week to congratulate them for this achievement.

"I am honored to recognize these five women, along with the more than 300 nominees, for their contributions to Missouri," Mrs. Blunt said. "I congratulate the winners and thank all the outstanding women who were nominated for making a significant and lasting impact on our state, our nation, and our world."

The following women are the recipients of the 2008 inaugural First Lady Awards:

• Business and Innovation: Judy L. Burns - St. Charles
• Culture and Humanities: Naoma Powell - Columbia
• Education: Jahnae H. Barnett, Ph.D. - Fulton
• Health and Wellness: Cynthia B. Teas, RN, BSN - Purdy
• Volunteerism: Rosemary Wick - Clayton

Mrs. Blunt created the First Lady Awards to celebrate Missouri women who are making history in the five categories of Business and Innovation, Culture and Humanities, Education, Health and Wellness, and Volunteerism as part of Women's History Month in March.

A committee appointed by the Missouri Women's Council evaluated more than 300 nominations. The First Lady will recognize honorees March 4, 2008, at the Missouri Governor's Mansion in a ceremony to celebrate Women's History Month. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is proud to support the inaugural First Lady Awards.

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