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WINTON – Every woman has a story to tell and gifts to share with the world.

With that in mind, the Hertford County Board of Commissioners gave special recognition to seven women of the county at their regularly scheduled meeting here March 20.

Since 1987, the United States has formally recognized March as National Women’s History Month.

Nora Artis, Gladys Brown, Pat Byrd, Margaret Gaines, Ida Harris, Shelia Porter, and Carolyn Stephenson were the Hertford County honorees for Women’s History Month.

Each honoree was presented a personalized framed certificate with the following message:

“We, the Hertford County Board of Commissioners, honor your outstanding leadership and many contributions to Hertford County’s social progress, history, and culture. Thank you for your excellent service.”

Andre Lassiter, chair of the commissioners, said the honorees have made a great impact on the lives of others in the county.

“These are seven phenomenal women,” Lassiter noted. “They have made many contributions, including education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, Christian ministry, and the performing arts. Where would we be without each of you?

“Each of you stand alone in your own right to be called phenomenal women,” Lassiter continued. “We honor you during Women’s History Month. We honor you for your service to the citizens of Hertford County.”

During Commissioner comments near the end of the meeting, Lassiter said there had been many women over the course of his life that had a great impact.

“They impacted other lives as well,” he stated. Thank you, ladies, for all you have done and continue to do.”

“Phenomenal women you are,” Commissioner Ronald Gatling remarked. “I have had the opportunity to work with each of those honored here tonight. We honor you and salute you for the contributions and sacrifices you made in your profession. Thank you for making Hertford County what it is today.”

“As I look upon these ladies and recognize the outstanding contributions they each have made to Hertford County, it’s amazing how five of the seven I had the privilege of working with,” said Commissioner John Horton. “Thank you all for all you do, you are the salt of our community, you have preserved us and kept us and taught us how to love one another.”

“So many of you have done the same things for me that the chairman and others have said,” Commissioner Bill Mitchell noted. “I’m so grateful for many of you to be a part of my life. It was our pleasure to recognize you, We wish we could have done more.”

Commissioner Leroy Douglas was absent from the meeting as he was attending the North Carolina Rural Center summit.