CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (AVC News) — The Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce recognized three women for their contributions to Guernsey County and awarded four scholarships to local women pursuing higher education during the 2026 Witch’s BREW Banquet on Thursday, Oct. 22.
This year’s theme, “Hidden Treasures: Celebrating the Gems Among Us,” celebrated women whose leadership, community service and generosity have made an impact throughout the area.
Ann Lawrence received the 2026 BREW Award for Service for more than 30 years of supporting downtown Cambridge and community events. After a career in banking, Lawrence continued devoting time and resources to local initiatives. She has served as treasurer and Holiday Parade chairperson for Cambridge Main Street and helped lead numerous downtown events. She also volunteers with Run Run Rudolph, Witch’s BREW and Warm a Child’s Heart, among other community efforts.
Brittany Matthews, executive director of the Cambridge Area YMCA, received the 2026 BREW Emerging Leader Award. Matthews began participating in YMCA gymnastics at age 2 and later joined the organization’s staff in 2019. A Cambridge High School valedictorian and Muskingum University graduate, she became executive director in 2025. During the past six years, YMCA membership has tripled, and the organization has advanced plans for a new indoor aquatic center representing an investment of more than $10 million. Matthews has also spent 10 years coaching gymnastics and mentoring young athletes.
Penny Parnell received the 2026 Jo Sexton BREW Award for Business for her leadership at Parnell & Associates and her contributions to the Cambridge community. Parnell has helped grow the family-owned business into a company serving southeastern Ohio while supporting local schools, youth athletics, community organizations and charitable causes. She helped establish Cambridge’s Ladies’ Night Out event, which has raised approximately $100,000 for the community over the years. She also supports community initiatives and downtown beautification efforts.
The banquet also recognized four recipients of $750 Witch’s BREW scholarships: Kara Launder, Alaina Sigman, Kaelyn Neiswonger and Kairi Marston. The scholarships are supported by the BREW College Fund and a donation from AMG Vanadium.
Launder plans to attend Central Ohio Technical College to study diagnostic medical sonography. She developed an interest in the field after shadowing in the radiology department at OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center. During high school, she balanced advanced and college-level coursework with athletics and school activities.
Sigman plans to attend Ohio University Zanesville to major in education and minor in coaching. She graduated with a 3.9 GPA and an Honors Diploma after overcoming challenges associated with dyslexia. Inspired by teachers who supported her, Sigman hopes to help students recognize their potential and overcome challenges of their own.
Neiswonger, a Buckeye Trail High School graduate, is pursuing an associate degree in programming and web development at Zane State College. She plans to continue studying engineering and eventually earn a doctorate. Neiswonger was one of 100 Ohio students selected for the NASA Research Scholars Program at NASA Glenn Research Center. She has also participated in competitive coding programs, developed software applications and earned academic honors.
Marston, a senior at Meadowbrook High School, maintains a 4.0 GPA while taking advanced and College Credit Plus courses. She participates in cross-country, track, the National Honor Society, FFA and Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she mentors younger students. Marston plans to study mechanical engineering and hopes to design Formula racing cars for McLaren Racing.
The Chamber launched its Boldly Recognizing Exceptional Women, or BREW, Awards in 2017 to recognize women making significant contributions to Guernsey County. Scholarships were introduced in 2019, with eligibility expanded in 2023 to provide opportunities for more women pursuing higher education.
Scholarship applicants must live or work in Guernsey County, have completed or be enrolled in high school, and be pursuing higher education.
The Chamber said the awards celebrate the women whose time, talents and dedication strengthen the community while supporting the next generation as they pursue their educational and career goals.
Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by AVC News
