For outstanding contributions in a wide spectrum of fields, the May Court Club of Chatham has announced six honorees for the Women of Excellence 2024.
For outstanding contributions in a wide spectrum of fields, the May Court Club of Chatham has announced six honorees for the Women of Excellence 2024.
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The awards, to be presented next month, recognize those from Chatham-Kent who’ve made a difference in six categories. The recipients, introduced at a recent member-hosted gathering, are:
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- Business and professions: Dr. April Rietdyk
- Health, science and technology: Lori Marshall
- Arts and culture: Christine Baribeau
- Education and training: Dr. Margery Holman
- Community and volunteerism: Jann Wickett
- Young woman of excellence: Meagan King
Rietdyk recently retired as Chatham-Kent’s community human services general manager, with various senior public health roles also on her resume.
The honor felt “unreal,” she said, adding she simply loves to serve her community.
“All I did for 40 years was go to work,” Rietdyk said. “I have been able to work with an amazing group of people, who are all dedicated to really making Chatham-Kent better.”
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May Court noted her leadership during challenging times, including the Erie Shore Drive flooding, Wheatley gas explosion and COVID-19 pandemic.
Marshall, who announced her retirement as Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s president and chief executive this year, said she was “highly honored and humbled” by the award.
“There really is no greater honor than to be recognized in your own community,” she said. “What you do matters.”
Baribeau, a Chatham-Kent secondary school teacher, said she believes if someone does what they love, “it doesn’t feel like work.”
In addition to teaching, she’s been involved with many local musical productions, Theater Kent, St. Andrew’s United Church choir and Bel Canto choir school.
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Holman has taught for 42 years in the University of Windsor’s kinesiology department, was the university’s first director of women’s sports for 18 years, and coached volleyball.
“It feels like the circle is complete now,” she said of being honored in her home community. “I’m back where I grew up.”
It’s important to highlight women’s achievements, she added, noting society has made strides, but there is still more work to do.
Wickett, a retired Lambton Kent District school board educator, also taught business at St. Clair College.
She and her husband sponsored the Dr. Jack Parry scholarship award for the top female and male athletes in Chatham-Kent high schools, and she has served on many community boards.
“I know a lot of the women in May Court and every single one of them deserves this award, as do so many people in our community,” Wickett said. “Giving back is the big thing. . . We all need to live by our words.”
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King, an Ursuline College Chatham alum now attending Humber College, has a long list of clubs and organizations under her belt. She’s completed more than 770 hours of community service, all while achieving honors in each of her high school years.
She was excited to be chosen a woman of excellence.
“It’s probably one of the biggest (honors) I’ve received,” she said. “I really like to serve others. I find a great joy in meeting other people for a greater cause.”
Honorees will be recognized at an April 26 dinner at the Portuguese Club in Chatham.
Tickets are $125 each and can be purchased by contacting Maxine at 519-436-0692, or [email protected], or Anne at 519-352-2710.
Proceeds from ticket sales will help fund May Court’s work with women and children in the community.
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