[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25544]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO MARIA LORENSON, LAURA SMITH, AND BARBARA PICHOT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2007

  Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Maria Lorenson, 
Laura Smith, and Barbara Pichot who are being honored by the Girl 
Scouts Shawnee Division as the 2007 Women of Distinction.
  These three ladies are being honored for their career accomplishments 
and leadership that have made them role models for young women in their 
communities. The Girl Scouts Shawnee Council honors three women 
annually from the Eastern Panhandle.
  The first honoree, Maria Lorenson, is being recognized for her role 
as editor-in-chief with the Martinsburg Journal. She has received 
various awards and honors in her 11 years with the Martinsburg Journal 
from the West Virginia Press Association. Maria is credited for 
balancing her career with her role as a wife, mother, and community 
leader.
  Laura Smith of Morgan County is being honored for her many leadership 
roles in her community. She is currently the president of the Morgan 
County Board of Education. She has worked to promote the beauty of 
Morgan County through her work with Travel Berkeley Springs and as 
board member of George Washington Heritage Trail. She is also an active 
member of her church, St. Marks Episcopal Church.
  The final recipient of the 2007 Women of Distinction award is Barbara 
Pichot. At a time when many women were not entering the field of 
business, Barbara was a trailblazer and eventually became a partner in 
the accounting firm Cox, Nichols and Hollida until her retirement. She 
now dedicates herself to volunteer endeavors including Rotary, United 
Way, and is responsible for the development of Hospice of the 
Panhandle.
  It is an honor to represent these three outstanding women who serve 
as strong leaders and excellent role models for young women in their 
communities. Congratulations to Maria Lorenson, Laura Smith, and 
Barbara Pichot as the 2007 Women of Distinction.

                          ____________________