Steel Magnolia Award focuses on women who have overcome obstacles

The deadline is approaching for Middletown and West Chester Twp. residents to be considered for the ninth annual Steel Magnolia Award.

Women who have overcome obstacles to positively impact the Middletown or West Chester communities have the opportunity to earn recognition as Steel Magnolia Award recipients in the program funded by the AK Steel Foundation, according to T. Duane Gordon, executive director of the Middletown Community Foundation.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 31.

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As many as 13 awards are given annually, limited to no more than one recipient per AK Steel U.S. location per year, Gordon said. Each recipient designates a $2,500 donation to an eligible charity of her choice, he said.

The award honors women of all ages who have faced personal adversity and have shown exceptional strength, courage, compassion and leadership through their work in support of their communities.

Roger K. Newport, chief executive officer of AK Steel, said in a statement that these women “serve as a shining example to others.”

Gordon said every nominee is “truly a heroine.”

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Nominations, which should take the form of an essay of 500 words or less, must be submitted to the program administrator, the Middletown Community Foundation, no later than Aug. 31.

Nominees must live in the vicinity of an AK Steel facility. Association with AK Steel is not a requirement for nomination and will have no bearing on the nominee’s consideration.

Other eligible communities are Ashland, Ky.; Butler and Friedens/Somerset County, Pa.; Columbus and Rockport, Ind.; Dearborn, Mich.; Follansbee, W.V.; and Coshocton, Mansfield, Walbridge, and Zanesville, Ohio.

Visit www.mcfoundation.org/steelmagnolia to view complete requirements and to obtain a nomination form.

For more information, call the Middletown Community Foundation at 513-424-7369.

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