Accomplished daughters are testaments to Vernon
Reprinted from The Gazette, Sunday, October 21, 2007, page 12A

Monica Vernon and I are both sustaining members of the Junior League of Cedar Rapids. Although we were not active during the same years, I am confident that the Junior League is a stronger organization because of her participation. Vernon served the organization as president, reorganized the group’s board and executive board structure and served as a leader in the development of the Madge Phillips Shelter.

She and her husband, Bill, have instilled this leadership in their three accomplished daughters, which is really how I have come to know Vernon. All three Vernon girls have been steady baby sitters for my family. As my daughters get older, I often reference the Vernon girls as role models. I give my children examples of their exemplary behavior and of initiatives they have taken. All three have won the top award of the National Council on Youth Leadership in their senior year of high school. This honor is only given to one young woman each year from among hundreds of student leaders from 11 local high schools.

That in and of itself says so much, and much of the credit stems back to Vernon. She was able to build a foundation for her daughters to learn, to laugh and to lead. And, she did all this while running her own business and serving as a community volunteer.

Suzy DeWolf
Cedar Rapids