Lawson named 2008 Woman of Distinction

GAINESVILLE - The Girl Scouts of Northeast Georgia have named former Mayor Emily "Sissy" Lawson as this year's Gainesville Woman of Distinction.

Lawson grew up as a Brownie Scout in Gainesville, and has continued her involvement with girl scouting throughout her life.

She also served as a Girl Scout counselor at several camps in the north Georgia area.

"I feel blessed to have grown up in north Georgia and to have been involved in scouting," Lawson said.

Lawson was a member of the Gainesville City Council for 18 years. She served as mayor in 1991 and 1992, then again in 2003.

She retired from the council in 2004.

LaDon Shaw, Girl Scouts development director, said Lawson is "a woman who is a community servant and is an outstanding role model for girls of all ages."

Lawson will be formally recognized during an awards luncheon March 25 at Gainesville's First United Methodist Church.