In a year when civic service has been critically important, Soroptimist International of Coeur d'Alene has recognized eight female community figures through the "Women of Distinction" award for their dedication to service.

Nominated by their peers and independently judged, the winners were scored on their community involvement and impact. This year, women received awards in the categories of Arts and Culture, Business and Professional, Community Service, Education, Health, Public Service and Senior.

Soroptimist 2020 winners and their categories are:

Arts and Culture: Kristin Kilmer, Cascade Creative

Business and Professional: Marilee Wallace, former Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce vice president

Community Service: Maggie Lyons, Resolve Financial Group, and Jeanette Laster, Human Rights Education Institute

Education: Dena Naccarato, Post Falls School District Superintendent

Health: Shannon Arrendale, Surgical Executive Director, Women's and Children's Services at Kootenai Health

Public Service: Linda Wilhelm, Post Falls City Councilmember

Senior: Anita Whitmore, Resident Manager at Orchard Ridge Senior Living

Soroptimist, which loosely translates to "the best for women," is an ideology held near to the group as they work to better the lives of women and girls in the Coeur d'Alene area. Locally chartered in 1948 as the first civic service group for women, Soroptimists of Coeur d'Alene applies its international origin's goals to aid the community through scholarships, donations and recognition.

Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, Soroptimist International of Coeur d'Alene had to postpone its awards luncheon until 2021. The luncheon, which showcases the winners to over 100 local women, allows awardees to share their stories with the group.

"You hear the stories, and you get so emotional that there is so much good in the community," said Barb Bradley, treasurer of the group. "It's important right now because we need those feel-good things. We need to know there are still those joyful stories and people who are healing to the community."

To further aid women of the area, Soroptimists annually award two scholarships to "Live Your Dream" competition winners. The group is also working on bringing the "Dream it, Be it" program to Coeur d'Alene, which will sponsor teen girls' growth and development.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to chair this event and recognize women in our community while raising funds to support women and girls," said Angie Comstock, Soroptimist committee chair. "The impact this fundraiser has on our Live Your Dream winners cannot be overstated."