LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — There is a "HER" in "HERO," and that is why the HYHO Club took time to recognize local female firefighters at their annual Hidden Figures Luncheon.
Eight firefighters and EMTs from the Lima and Delphos City Fire Departments and Shawnee and Perry Township Fire Departments were thanked for their service in keeping others safe. Only 4% of fire personnel in Ohio are women, and the club believed it was important to highlight the work these women do for the residents of Allen County. The club initiated the Hidden Figures Luncheon to spotlight these women who make a local impact.
"We often don't recognize that there are people in the community who are making a difference and have made a difference throughout the community for years, and so we actually seek out those people and try to recognize them for what they're doing. Because we know that we want to keep it going. As we get older, we know how important it is for our young people to understand that you're not standing here by yourself, that you're on others' shoulders, and so that's what makes us feel good about doing this," said Shirel Youngblood, president of the HYHO Club.
HYHO stands for "Help Yourself, Help Others," and the club has been active for nearly 70 years. It was founded by a group of educators who wanted to help students reach their goals.
"We continue that, and it has broadened the scope to include not only just educators, but those women in our community who are making a difference and trying to help others to bring them up also," added Youngblood.
The money raised from the Hidden Figures Luncheon will be used to provide scholarships for local students. More information about their scholarship program can be found on their Facebook page.
Hidden Figures recognized by the HYHO Club:
- Emily Bowsher – Lima
- Courtney Honcell – Lima
- Tanesha Manley – Lima
- Christie Kerby – Shawnee
- Brooke Hedges – Perry
- Blaici Lee – Perry
- Kortni Pomaville – Perry
- Mika Layman – Delphos
