2025 Indiana County Athena Awards
Renda Media has been a proud partner with the Colonial Motor Mart as the Co-Sponsors of the annual Indiana County Athena Award. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in their professional field, provide valuable service to the greater Indiana County Community, and actively mentor and support women in leadership development.
MERIANN LEE
Meriann Lee, a veteran music teacher at Purchase Line Junior-Senior High School, has spent 23 years inspiring students through music and community involvement. A graduate of Purchase Line, she discovered her passion for music as a child when she began playing piano in fifth grade. Influenced by dedicated teachers, she pursued music education in college and returned to her hometown to teach.
Throughout her career, Lee has nurtured students’ musical skills, guiding them to perform at festivals and competitions while helping them discover a lifelong love for music. She has taught generations of students, encouraging growth both in and out of the classroom. Beyond her teaching role, she leads the school’s band program, directs performances, and serves as an advisor for music and National Honor Society activities.
Her leadership extends into the broader community. Lee volunteers for local events like the Hoodlebug Festival, organizing performances and engaging students in community service. She also supports athletic and extracurricular programs, plans fundraisers, and helps students develop leadership skills through volunteerism.
This year, Lee completed the ATHENA Leadership and Facilitation Training, bringing those principles to her teaching and mentoring. Her commitment to students and community service earned her recognition as an ATHENA Award finalist, honoring exceptional women leaders.
Lee continues to encourage students to give back to their community, lead with confidence, and discover their potential. She looks forward to expanding music education opportunities and integrating service projects into school activities. Through leadership, creativity, and dedication, she has helped shape a strong, supportive learning environment that celebrates the arts and community involvement.
Thank you to our 2025 Indiana County Athena Award sponsors
We salute our 2025 Athena Finalists, including Jessica Cunningham (InFirst Bank), Felicia Daniel (S&T Bank), Barbara Hauge (UpStreet Architects), Laurie Kuzneski (Kuzneski Insurance Group), Meriann Lee (Purchase Line School District), Kathy Mihoerck (Grace Church), Amy Rebyanski (Indiana Area School District), Joyce Sharman (Fundraiser for multiple non-profits), and Nicole Wannett (Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug & Alcohol Prevention Center).
Community celebration of leadership and service – the Emerging Women Leaders Luncheon will be October 15th, from 11 to 1 at the Indiana Country Club. The luncheon will include the presentation of the 2025 ATHENA Awards and the 3rd annual Spadafora Family $5,000 scholarship for a high school senior who is a member of ATHENA Club. Tickets are $50 per person with proceeds supporting the ATHENA program. Register at www.indianacountychamber.us by October 10th.
