The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama will honor 12 outstanding women at their 15th Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon Friday at The Harbert Center. The program pays tribute to women who have made special contributions to their community through civic, academic or professional involvement.

This year’s Women of Distinction are: Dr. Leah Rawls Atkins, director emerita, Center for Arts and Humanities Auburn University; Dr. Marquita Furness Davis, director, Office of School Readiness, State of Alabama; Gwen Deierhoi, Girl Scout and community volunteer; Gloria J. Alexander Dennard, director of Library Media Services, Jefferson County Board of Education; Beth Franklin, executive director, Hand In Paw; Fran Godchaux, senior vice president, Operation New Birmingham; Anne G. Miller, founder and executive director, Alabama Wildlife Center; Teresa Zuniga Odom, multicultural markets coordinator, Alabama Power Co.; Joan Perry, vice president, PHP Communications; Carol H. Steckel, commissioner, Alabama Medicaid Agency; and Nancy H. Wagnon, founder and president, Wagnon & Associates.

In addition, Peggie Myles, past board president of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, will be honored with the Mildred Bell Johnson Award, the Council’s highest adult honor. The award is given annually to a woman who has a prior affiliation with Girl Scouting and has made a lifelong contribution to her community by distinguishing herself through professional, community or humanitarian efforts.

Also at the luncheon, 17 Senior Girl Scouts will be honored for earning their Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. These young ladies from around the community will be recognized for their leadership and service projects. The Gold Award requires over 65 hours of planning, community service, and evaluations.

Cost: Tickets for this fundraiser are $60. Call 980-4750, ext. 127, to order yours.