Local women were honored at the 2nd Black Butterflies Award Banquet on Feb. 11, at Exploration Place.

The Black Butterfly honorees were selected because they are excellent role models for Black girls aiming high, says Janice Hardeman, who organized the awards banquet as a fundraiser for the Katherine Johnson Scholar Sisters Club.

The Katherine Johnson Scholar Sisters Club promotes interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math careers in its 4th and 5th grade members.

This year marks the 100th birthday of the club’s namesake, the great NASA legacy Dr. Katherine Johnson. Johnson’s work at NASA was featured in the 2017 movie “Hidden Treasures.”

Each of the KJSS Club participants made and decorated a care for Johnson and event attendes selected their favorite, with the winner receiving a $50 Great Wolf Lodge Gift Card.

Working with math instructor William Polite, the KJSS members continue to build their math skills to a level that exceeds grade level expectations.

The 2018 Black Butterfly honorees were: Lawanda DeShazer, Ebony Clemons – Ajibolade, Prisca Barnes, Lai-L Daugherty, Rep. Gail Finney, Junetta Everett, Melody McCray-Miller, Willetta Moore, Dr. Holly Terrell, Dr. Ambrer Royal, Vesta Fkorence and Danielle Johnson.

KJSS girls are: Olanike Aluko, Neveah Black, Neveah Burks, Mahogany Butler, Gintel Carter, Bailey Cole, Kyndal Jennings, A’nya Fisher, Alyssa Florence, Jaxsen Hunt, Jea’Nee Lowery, Rayven Lowery, A’yana Moore, Cidni Patterson, Nakayla Parker, Shariyah and Jamleah Smith.