Lockport City School District honored outstanding women from the community during its third annual Women Who ROAR Awards ceremony, held Tuesday at Lockport High School in recognition of Women’s History Month.
The Women Who ROAR Awards — standing for Recognizing Outstanding Achievements and Resilience — celebrate individuals whose leadership, service, and perseverance continue to strengthen the Lockport community. The annual event shines a spotlight on the often behind-the-scenes contributions of women whose impact is both meaningful and lasting.
The luncheon featured a keynote address from Adiam Tsegai, president of SUNY Erie Community College, who inspired attendees with her remarks on leadership, opportunity, and the importance of education.
This year’s community ROAR award recipients are:
• Laura Miskell-Benedict, Miskell & Moxham Attorneys and Counselors at Law
• Becky Burns, Lockport Lions Club, Niagara County Historical Society, LCTV, Greater Lockport Development Corporation, SUNY Niagara (formerly Niagara County Community College)
• Holly Edwards, Lock City Books
• Parrish Gibbons, Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center
• Flora Hawkins, General Motors retiree, Lockport Housing Authority, prior service with the Young Men and Women of Character Program and the first African American elected to the Lockport Common Council
• Kristina Schutt, Geico, former Lockport Board of Education trustee, current LHS PTA president, volunteer for the Railyard Skate Park
In addition to the community honorees, the district recognized student representatives from each school for their leadership and positive impact:
• Petra S., Anna Merritt Elementary School
• Brooklyn M., Charles Upson Elementary School
• Liana G., George Southard Elementary School
• Ivy M., Roy B. Kelley Elementary School
• Quinn S., Emmet Belknap Intermediate School
• Madisyn P., Aaron Mossell Junior High School
• Aidalys B., Lockport High School
• Nyema C., Lockport High School
• Raven B., Lockport High School West
During the ceremony, before an audience of more than 400 attendees, district Superintendent Mathis Calvin III emphasized the importance of Women’s History Month and the significance of continued progress.
“It’s important to recognize why we celebrate Women’s History Month,” Calvin said. “We are still seeing ‘firsts’ in the headlines. The first woman to lead a corporation, the first woman elected to office…every ‘first’ is worth celebrating, but it also reminds us how long those doors remained closed.” He also noted, “Women have shaped every part of our lives…and while we celebrate progress, we also recognize that the work is far from over.”