American Association of University Women in Bradenton honor 4 for lighting way for others

SARASOTA -- Four women who help light the way for others were honored Saturday for all they do.

Roughly 200 people gathered at the American Association of University Women's annual Women of Achievement Luncheon at the Palm Aire Country Club in Sarasota to honor the following:

Laraine Batista, migrant liaison for the Manatee County School District;

Sue Fox, program specialist at Alzheimer Association Florida Gulf Chapter and a former vocational director in a mental health community center serving mentally ill adults and those with substance-abuse issues;

Marilyn Howard, past executive director of the Manatee Community Foundation; and

Charlotte Thielen, YMCA aqua-aerobics teacher and Boy Scout leader.

In addition to recognizing women for outstanding contributions to the well-being and education of others in the community, the awards

luncheon is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit's scholarship foundation.

The foundation awards scholarships to Manatee County residents 25 years and older who have completed at least 60 credit hours toward a bachelor's degree and need financial aid.

Martha Jane Proulx, president of the AAUW Bradenton, introduced honorees by sharing their achievements. She presented each woman with a large glass and silver candleholder as a symbol of all they have done to light the way for others.

The women all were asked similar questions. When Batista was asked about her inspiration, she said she came prepared as she held up a tissue.

"Through 23 years of being in the system that I was so privileged and honored to work in, I have figured out that I have served more than 2,000 students," Batista said as tears welled up. "Each and every one of them had a very special story and one that touched my heart. And I felt that I could not do right by them unless I moved mountains to helped them reach their goals. So many of them did that."

Others who gave up before graduating came back for help later, and Batista said she gladly gave it to them.

"I am so proud of what they have accomplished, and they are the reason I am here today," Batista.

Fox said she came from a family of strong women who inspired her. Her grandmothers attended college in the earlier part of the 20th century when it was uncommon for women.

"My maternal grandmother not only finished but then went on to be a Chicago public school teacher while raising four children and always having a good attitude. Then my grandfather developed Alzheimer's disease," Fox said.

Alzheimer's disease wasn't diagnosed back then, and they didn't understand what was going on, she said. At a time when there were no assisted living facilities or medications for the disease, a sanitarium was often the only option, she said.

Instead, her grandmother took care of him 10 years. For Fox, she and her other grandmother -- whom she called her best friend -- were heroes.

Howard stressed the importance of mentors as inspiration.

"You never know what you said to them, how important it is later," Howard said. "You tell them what you believe and what you think will help at the moment."

It's important for women to have mentors and friends, she said.

"They should find joy in their work," Howard said. "If they can't find joy in their work, it's going be a tough road."

When asked about the hardest lesson she's learned, Howard stressed no one is perfect.

"I think the lessons you learn many times, the best lessons you learn, are the hardest and usually involve mistakes and things you wish you could have done better or differently," Howard said. "So pick yourself up. It doesn't define your life. Go on and go forward."

Thielen shared her philosophy for life: be happy, happy, happy.

"If they can't smile for even a split second, then I worry about their health," Thielen said.

Thielen echoed the importance of enjoying what you do.

"Unfortunately, in this day in time, we can't always love our work, but we should be able to like it and enjoy it. But if by some chance you don't have the opportunity, if you can't laugh at your job and like your job, then it's probably not where you are meant to be," Thielen said.

She suggested looking for outside interests.

"You never know what it might lead to," Thielen said.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published March 19, 2016 at 11:14 PM with the headline "American Association of University Women in Bradenton honor 4 for lighting way for others ."