Our 2023 Distinguished Alumnus:
Patty Brisben
Ms. Brisben’s connection to Sycamore Schools began in first grade when she began attending Blue Ash Elementary. She progressed through the district, ultimately graduating from Sycamore High School in 1973. “I loved the diversity of the school. It felt very inclusive and welcoming to all. It was a great place to learn and grow,” said Ms. Brisben. During her time at Sycamore, she actively participated in VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), now known as SkillsUSA. The program, which partnered with businesses to teach students valuable job skills and leadership, laid the foundation for her future endeavors.After her graduation, Ms. Brisben embarked on a journey that encompassed marriage, family life, and a career in the medical field. However, it was during her single-parent years, while working tirelessly to make ends meet, that she encountered a pivotal moment of challenge. Patty recalled, "I remember one teacher who told me the only thing he ever saw me being was a housewife. And while someone else may have been hurt or discouraged by that, I turned around and said, 'watch me.'"This unwavering determination, combined with inspiration drawn from a segment on the Phil Donahue show, ignited her entrepreneurial spirit. In 1993, from the confines of her own basement, Ms. Brisben launched Pure Romance.In the beginning, Ms. Brisben did everything. She packed orders, shipped products, planned parties, and signed up new consultants—all while raising her four children on her own. Over the next two decades, her hard work paid off as Pure Romance grew into what she had always dreamed it would be: A place where women could take control of their financial futures while raising their families.“I wanted to give women a safe place to ask questions they might normally be afraid to ask. I wanted to create a space where they could make their own choices about their health and their bodies,” said Ms.Brisben. “I wanted to differentiate it from what was already out there and partner with physicians and mental health experts to provide education and expert knowledge. I wanted to create a judgment-free zone, where women could give themselves permission to explore their health.”In 2000, Patty’s son, Chris Cicchinelli joined Pure Romance as CEO helping his mother grow the company from $3 million in annual revenue to more than $130 million in 2014.
Patty will be honored at a reception at the Montgomery Inn on Friday, September 29th from 5:00pm-6:30pm. All are welcome to attend for $20 per person, which includes buffet dinner and cash bar. She will then be recognized at halftime of the Homecoming Football Game later that evening.
Please order by Tuesday, September 26.
Legacy Tree going "Digital"!
Our Legacy Tree is going digital! Give a gift that will be honored on our upcoming digital legacy wall in the redesign of Sycamore High School. All contributions go towards the annual "Dan Henke SAFA Scholarship" awarded to one senior every year. Email corattiyila@sycamoreschools.org if interested.
2023 Sycamore Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner
April 1, 2023
Montgomery Inn in Montgomery
Social Hour 5:30 / Dinner 7:00 pm
Join us as we induct the six athletes and coach pictured below. We will also be recognizing the 2004 Boys Lacrosse team as the 2023 High Flying Aviator Team of Distinction and presenting the 2023 Spirit of Sycamore Award to Paula Chiricosta.
Questions? Contact Steve Imhoff at SteveImhoff22@gmail.com
Athletic Hall of Fame 2023
Honorees below...Congrats!
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