Six Ashland County women were recognized Wednesday night for their contributions to the community at the Annual Ashland Women of Achievement program held at the Ashland Family YMCA.

This year's recipients were Becky Echelberger,  Stephanie Kozak, Ashland University women's basketball coach Sue Ramsey,  Cathy Rice, Juila Ann Wright, and Kay Wright.

Ashland County Women of Achievement board member Georgene Aber said former award recipients, friends, employees and family members nominated the women who have reached beyond themselves to contribute substantially to the quality of life in Ashland County through involvement with family, career, community and social issues.

Becky Echelberger is the president of the board of directors for the Ashland Senior Citizens Center. Echelberger is a recipient of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce 2010 Spirit of the Chamber Award. Echelberger heads the Ashland County Fair Ladies Day program. 

Stephanie Kozak is the community relations director for Kingston of Ashland. Kozak serves on the Council on Aging's board and serves as an ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce. Kozak volunteers her time for a variety of organizations including the Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society, Ashland County Relay for Life, Loudonville Food Bank, and the Loudonville Golden Center.

Sue Ramsey has served as the coach of the Ashland University women's basketball team for 18 years. Ramsey was recognized as Coach of the Year by the Women's Basketball Coaches' Association. Ramsey led the eagles to the NCAA Division II finals in 2011.

Cathy Rice serves as the treasurer of the Ashland County 4-H Committee and also serves as an advisor to the Ashland County Junior Fair Board. Rice also plans and teaches sessions at Livestock Quality Assurance Training.

Julia Ann Wright is the president of the Ashland Symphony Women's League. Wright was the former chief school psychologist and intern supervisor for the Franklin County Department of Education. Wright started the reading program Ashland Bookcase Project, while serving as the president of the Ashland Rotary. The program helps preschoolers improve their reading skills.

Kay Wright was the first woman vice president and president of the Ashland County chapter of Pheasants Forever 442. Wright developed the first outdoor Kids' Day at the Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League more than 14 eyars ago to help educate youths about the outdoors. Wright is currently the chairwoman of the Ashland County Planning Commission and is involved with the Polks Lion Club, Polk Garden Club and Ashland County Farm Bureau.  Wright also assisted is the development of the Ashland County Park District.

Members of the Women of Achievement Board include Marilyn Byers, Jen Barrick, Suzanne Carruthers, Judith DeVaul, Kim Edwards, Bonnie Manos, Annette Shaw and Jane Roland.