Published: March 17, 2008 10:08 am      

Holycross, Siu are Women of Distinction

Both honored for tireless efforts in jobs

DANVILLE — Awards are nice, but that’s not why people like Penny Holycross and Lily Siu reach out to others.

“I just enjoy helping the people, especially seniors and the disabled,” said Holycross, a Westville resident and Georgetown Township supervisor.

“Getting and giving opportunities for teachers and learners — that’s what it’s all about,” Siu of Danville said, referring to some of her community projects at Richland Community College in Decatur. “It’s not about the awards.”

The two are among six chosen as Women of Distinction by the Champaign Regional Service Center of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois.

More than 85 outstanding women from six counties in east central Illinois have been chosen for the award, which is in its 17th year.

Community members nominate women who have made a difference in their careers and/or communities, while serving as examples of the Girl Scout law. A task force makes the final selections. Recipients need not be affiliated with Girl Scouts.

When contacted for a comment about her award, Holycross was out in the field — pumping gas for senior citizens. She takes the driver’s money inside, washes the windows and pumps gas in all kinds of weather.

Her office also provides free tax help for qualified people. She’s had volunteers go door-to-door in Westville, Georgetown and Belgium to tell people that they won’t get their federal tax rebate until they file their taxes.

Her office has been overwhelmed with requests for help, but, she said, “That’s what it’s all about.

“If I have to stay later and work later, I’ll be glad to do it.”

Holycross, who was nominated by her mother-in-law, Clovia Holycross, said she was surprised at winning the award.

The nomination noted that Holycross’ job often spills over to weekends and holidays. Holycross also established a food pantry and community garden and drives to Bloomington to obtain food. She has been a volunteer with Santas Anonymous for more than 20 years, is a board member for Faith in Action, serves on the Keep Vermilion County Beautiful board and is organizing a South Vermilion County Cleanup Day.

Holycross also said, “I don’t rest when I go home, either.” She added jokingly, “I’m afraid to stop.”

Siu took a job as dean of communications, education, humanities and fine arts at Richland almost three years ago. She still maintains a home in Danville.

Siu has numerous projects at Richland, including running the child development center and overseeing a radio station and art gallery.

“It’s been a brand new experience — that’s been great,” she said. “There are a lot of opportunities for growth.”

The Girl Scout award is based on her accomplishments while she was dean of liberal arts at Danville Area Community College, as well as her community involvements in both Vermilion County and Decatur. She was nominated by Belinda Dalton-Russell, associate vice president of student services at DACC, who is a past award recipient.

Dalton-Russell’s nomination said Siu has always been a force for positive change through education.

She is perhaps best known for her work on HIV/AIDS and Meth Awareness and Prevention Project, which secured national praise under her leadership. She also was involved in other innovative curriculum initiatives, such as Japanese culture, the Hispanic Recruitment Project and the fire science program.

Siu also has been an active part of Vermilion County, serving on numerous boards, including the Prairie Center, the Vermilion County Library Foundation Board, Vermilion County AIDS Task Force, and the Vermilion County Workforce Challenge Committee.

She also spearheads the Decatur Leadership Institute.

“It’s fun work — to explore new things and opportunities,” Siu said.

She said she appreciates the award, although helping others through education is a “natural obligation” to her.

Other recipients are:

--Julie Beyler of Mahomet, who founded The Chorale in 1982, a not-for-profit organization of volunteer singers.

--Barb Daly of Champaign, assistant superintendent for the Regional Office of Education.

--Traci Nally of Champaign, an attorney who is a vice president with the News-Gazette.

--Bonnie Specchio of Rantoul, co-founder of the Rantoul Clothing Center distribution to needy children.

COMING UP

The Girl Scouts’ 2008 Women of Distinction will be recognized April 10 at the Hawthorn Suites in Champaign. Tickets are available from the Girl Scout Service Center by calling 693-4732.