A Lexington Town Council member is a “Woman of Distinction.”

Kathy Maness, a council member since 2004, was presented with the 2022-23 Woman of Distinction award from the Lexington Woman’s Club.

Connie McFarland, a club member, along with Club President Carolyn Hall and state Rep. Paula Calhoon presented Maness with the award at Lexington’s regular April 3 council meeting, telling those in attendance that it was going to a woman who exemplifies outstanding character and leadership qualities and who demonstrates a lifelong commitment to education.

“That’s our community that she has loved and done so throughout her personal and professional life.” McFarland said.

Indeed, Maness has been no stranger to accolades, including becoming the first South Carolinian to serve as the president of the National League of Cities.

The executive director of the Palmetto State Teachers Association, she was previously named Administrator of the year by the S.C. Network for Administrators in Education in 2004 and was more recently given the Friend of Children award by the S.C. Early Childhood Association.

Part of an international organization dedicated to community service, the Lexington Women’s Club has been around since 1958.

“It’s such an honor to receive this from my community, where I live, where I work hard on behalf of our citizens in the town of Lexington and for education throughout the state.” Maness told the Chronicle after receiving the Woman of Distinction honor. “It really touched my heart to receive this, because the women from the Lexington Women’s Club, they do so much for our community and to be selected as their Woman of Distinction this year, it’s a true honor and one I will never ever forget.”