PHOTO GALLERY | 'Unsung heroes' celebrated at YWCA Greater Johnstown's Tribute to Women

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A celebration of women highlighted a community ceremony dedicated to recognizing their achievements Thursday.

With close to 400 people in attendance, the YWCA Greater Johnstown held its 37th annual Tribute to Women at Ace’s in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

"It's important to recognize women in our community because they are unsung heroes," said Diane Lopez, YWCA Greater Johnstown board president. "There are so many women in the community doing things that nobody recognizes. They run businesses, they have families, they take care of children and elderly parents, and yet they also find time to do something in each one of their individual arenas and they follow a passion."

The eight honorees were Cathy Seymour, retired executive director of Cresson Lake Playhouse and recipient of the Arts & Letters Award; Camillya Taylor, owner of Camille’s House of Styles Salon & Boutique and recipient of the Business Award; Lyn Garbarino, co-founder of Westmont Family Counseling Ministries and recipient of the Community Service Volunteer Award; Marilyn Roseman, retired professor emeritus at Mount Aloysius College and recipient of the Education Award; Francine Glass, clinical nursing coordinator at the Highlands Health medical clinic and recipient of the Nonprofit Award; Elizabeth Bolton Penna, member of the Pennsylvania Parole Board, former Cambria County assistant district attorney and recipient of the Professions Award; Karlice Makuchan, retired elementary science teacher at Conemaugh Township Area School District and recipient of the STEM Award; and Tara Bosserman, president and CEO of Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped and recipient of the Yellow Rose Award.

PHOTO GALLERY | Tribute to Women | YWCA Greater Johnstown

"This is really exciting because I'm used to being the one who puts things together and not be out front, so I appreciate this so much," Taylor said.

She said receiving the honor is an acknowledgment that what she does is meaningful, and despite challenges, quitting isn't an option.

"I hope this encourages people to keep going," Taylor said. "Sometimes you get flack, but it's obsolete. We have amazing people who are doing amazing things."

Bolton Penna said to be in the company of current and past honorees is humbling and touching.

"I think this area is rich with amazing, talented and intelligent women who make a real difference in our community," she said. "Recognizing them and using that to bring the next generation of women up is so very important."

She said the event inspires women to strive to achieve their goals.

"I hope they take away from the bios of these successful women that they can do whatever they want to do because it's a full range of people with different talents, styles and gifts," Bolton Penna said. "They can find their talents and how best to use those to make a difference in their community."

Makuchan said it's essential to honor the women who are paving the way for future generations.

"A friend of mine brought her niece because she wants her to be inspired by the women who are here, and maybe it'll be a great incentive for her and her future," she said.

Glass said the recognition is gratifying and she shares it with colleagues at Highlands Health.

"Women are hardworking individuals, and I think we can make a difference in our community," she said. "I think we all need to step up and take part in the community. Just a little change will make a big difference."

Mary Borkow, who was instrumental in starting Tribute to Women, said there are many women in the area who are deserving of the award.

"The first year that this was presented, there was a gentleman who said to me he didn't see how this could be because there aren't enough women in this community to honor, so that's the motivation I've had and the committee has had over the years," she said. "We're showing how important our women are in our community and they are the most effective."