NEWTON AREA
WOMEN OF THE YEAR

OUR HISTORY

 

In 1956, a program was started to honor Newton-area women who gave freely of their time and talents and have made our community a better place to live. Clubs, organizations and individuals were asked to nominate women from the community involved in Community and Civic Service, Education, Religion and Business and Professional Areas, who they felt had contributed to the community.

 

The nomination included a written resume. Six judges were chosen to select one woman from each of the four categories, as well as the most outstanding of the four to be the overall winner, or “Woman of the Year.”

 

From 1977 through 1986, a fifth woman was selected as the overall “Woman of the Year.” The format was changed in 2004 to select three outstanding women from the community (from any of the four categories listed above) and also to dispense with the overall winner category. The nomination and selection process has remained unchanged.

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The WOY Advisory Committee oversees the Woman of the Year program and hosts the annual recognition event.

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Newton Area Women of the Year is now a component fund of Central Kansas Community Foundation, meaning it is managed under the foundation's 501(c)(3) umbrella for the benefit of our mission to honor Newton-area women making a positive difference.