Natili, others honored by Butler Soroptimists
PENN TWP — When looking at what’s happening around Butler, Rosanne Natili’s impact can be seen everywhere, said Becky Plymale of the Soroptimist International of Butler County at an awards ceremony Saturday, April 11, recognizing Natili and others.
The Soroptimist International of Butler County welcomed members of the community at Butler Country Club for its Spring Fling fundraising luncheon. Five awards were handed out: the Community Ruby Award, the Club Ruby Award and several Live Your Dream scholarships.
Natili received the Community Ruby Award, which honors the most outstanding female community volunteer among nonmembers of the Soroptimists.
“When you look around, what is happening around Butler, with the mayor and those things, most likely you will see Rosanne’s fingerprints on the activities,” said Plymale, chairwoman of the Soroptimists’ awards.
Natili was praised for her work efforts and consistency in planning and updating events around the county. From the Butler Farmers Market to the upcoming Steeples and Stacks Heritage Weekend planned for July 10-12, Natili is involved.
“What makes this award especially meaningful is that it recognizes how we can impact the lives of women and girls, which I hope, in my case, is through volunteerism and service in our community,” Natili said.
She noted how inspiring it is to see downtown Butler grow and change alongside people who show up to keep its momentum going.
The Club Ruby Award is given to an outstanding member of the Butler Soroptimists who has shown immense commitment to improving the club. This year’s Soroptimist Club Ruby Award winner was Laura Ankrom, the club’s recording secretary and co-chairwoman of the Spring Fling.
Ankrom was honored for her activity in the community, even outside the club. She volunteers at the American Legion in Lyndora, works in the Butler County Controller’s office, is active in the church and is even planning her upcoming wedding.
Scholarship awards were also handed out at the fundraiser to three women making notable strides in their education.
The first 2026 Live Your Dream Scholarship for $2,000 went to Noelle Mitchell, who is working toward graduation in May and becoming an obstetrics nurse. As a mother of three boys, she has worked tirelessly to provide herself with an education, overcoming poverty and homelessness.
Quijuene Williams was presented with the second Live Your Dream Scholarship for $1,000. Williams is a bioengineering major at the University of Phoenix who hopes to find a career in designing prosthetic limbs. As a single mother, she dedicates her time to volunteering at hospitals and working with CVS Health’s technical department, while still attending school.
“Those in Quijuene’s life describe her as caring, independent, motivated, and filled with grace,” Donna Sybert, past club president said.
The final $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Krystal Breelove of Butler. Breelove, a single mother of two, is chasing her passion for science and studying to become a marine biologist at Unity Environmental University, set to graduate in 2027.
“I’ve been trying to get back into school, get my degree, and get everything done for the longest time, and finances have been one of the biggest issues with that, so this means the world to me,” Breelove said.
This article was adjusted April 14, 2026 to indicate the correct title of Becky Plymale.
