(Pictured from left to right: Annie Oakley Society leaders Cathy Keating, Lynn Friess and Judy Hatfield)
The Annie Oakley Society is made up of women leaders and philanthropists who, like Annie Oakley, play a significant role in shaping their communities while keeping the values and spirit of the West alive.
All this month we’re shining a spotlight on this impressive group and the important work they do at the National Cowboy Museum, leading up to the virtual opening celebration of Liichokoshkomo’, Annie Oakley Society’s signature project, on September 17th.
Through their efforts, members are working with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to build and sustain world-class educational experiences to teach children and families the rich history of the American West. In addition to preserving Western heritage and supporting children’s education, the members of the Annie Oakley Society honor a woman of significance at their annual luncheon. This award is a way to show respect and admiration for outstanding women, who through true grit and determination, strive to make a difference while leaving a lasting legacy for us all.
“I believe that as we honor successful women who used determination and a positive approach to Aiming High we set the bar for young girls and young women to be the best they can be. Many of the women we have honored were role models to all of us whether from their first Olympic Games 10 to being the first women in the US Supreme Court.” – Judy Hatfield, member of the Associate Board and the Oklahoma Chair of the Annie Oakley Society.
Some past winners include:
Mo Anderson joined Keller Williams Realty as president and chief executive officer in 1995 and shepherded the company from 35 market centers to more than 530 within 10 years. Known at times as the “Velvet Hammer” for her uncompromising values and standards, Anderson’s astute business acumen and leadership abilities are uniquely matched by her faith and compassion.
At the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada, a 14-year-old Romanian dynamo captured the hearts and minds of the world with her daring and perfection. We came to know her simply as “Nadia.”
By the time the 1976 Olympics ended, Comaneci had earned seven perfect tens, three gold medals, one bronze, one silver and countless fans. She appeared on the covers of TIME, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated–all in the same week–and returned home to Romania to a heroine.’
One of the most successful entertainers, Reba has sold more than 56 million albums worldwide. As a leading lady in the genre, the multi-platinum recording artist for The Valory Music Co. has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, earned an ACM Career Achievement honor and, on June 22, will be inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame. She also has won 15 American Music Awards; 13 ACM Awards; 9 People’s Choice Awards; 6 CMA Awards and 2 GRAMMY Awards, in addition to hosting the ACM Awards 14 times. Reba’s reign of #1 hits spans four decades and Billboard, Country Aircheck and Mediabase recognized her as the biggest female hit-maker in Country music history.
Sandra Day O’Connor (Retired), Associate Justice, was born in El Paso, Texas, March 26, 1930. She married John Jay O’Connor III in 1952 and has three sons – Scott, Brian and Jay. She received her B.A. and LL.B. from Stanford University. She served as Deputy County Attorney of San Mateo County, California from 1952–1953 and as a civilian attorney for Quartermaster Market Center, Frankfurt, Germany from 1954–1957. From 1958–1960, she practiced law in Maryvale, Arizona, and served as Assistant Attorney General of Arizona from 1965–1969. She was appointed to the Arizona State Senate in1969 and was subsequently reelected to two two-year terms. In 1975 she was elected Judge of the Maricopa County Superior Court and served until 1979, when she was appointed to the Arizona Court of Appeals. President Ronald Reagan nominated her as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and she took her seat September 25, 1981.
“Aim at a high mark and you will hit it. No, not the first time, nor the second and maybe not the third… but keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect. Finally you will hit the bullseye of success.” – Annie Oakley
You can help support the future of AOS and its mission of hands-on education of children and empowering and inspiring the next generation through a donation or by becoming a member of AOS.
