Ashland County Women of Achievement, an effort launched by Kay Conrad more than three decades ago, plans to induct its 2026 class at an Oct. 22 ceremony. The organization says it has honored more than 200 women in the county since it began, citing achievements in work, family life and volunteer service.
This year's group consists of five Women of Achievement and one Young Woman to Watch: Emily Grimm, Darla Plice, Brittaney Reep, Ann VanScoy, Jennifer Washock and Savanna Francis. The Young Woman to Watch honor, established in 2017 for county residents younger than 21, was later supported by an endowment created at the Ashland County Community Foundation with donations from previous winners.
The induction is set for the Mt. Vernon Estate Events Center, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and programming starting at 7 p.m. Organizers say the public may attend for hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Tickets run $25; payment options include mailing a check to the group's Ashland post office box, 685, zip code 44805, or purchasing through the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce website's events section.
According to the organization's biographical write-ups, Grimm's work with the Ashland Young Professionals and a golf outing that raises roughly $14,000 to $15,000 yearly for animal shelters are cited. Plice is described as an early standout in girls' and women's athletics at Ashland High School and Ashland College who went on to play professional basketball and tour Europe.
Reep, described as a CPA and the community foundation's chief financial officer, is credited with volunteer roles at United Way, the public library and Rotary. VanScoy is noted for nearly four decades in education and dance instruction. Washock's work at the Salvation Army Kroc Center and her volunteer commitments are highlighted, and Francis, a St.
Peter's School student, was recognized for STEM programs and community service.