LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the 2011 New York State Senate
Women of Distinction

WHEREAS, It is the sense this Legislative Body to acknowledge and cele-
brate Women of Distinction who significantly add inspiration and encour-
agement to the people of this great Empire State: and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Woman of Distinction program was
created in 1998 as part of our state celebration of Women's History
Month to honor exemplary women from across New York State whose singular
professional or personal achievements, commitment to excellence and
accomplishments merit special recognition; honorees are selected from
nominations submitted from across the state: and
WHEREAS, Women of every economic, ethnic and religious background have
made significant contributions that are reflected across all aspects of
society; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of remarkable character, who have shown initiative and
commitment in constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves as well as
acting as role models to all women in their community; and
WHEREAS, On behalf of the New York State Senate, I take this opportu-
nity to congratulate Lori Bahnik, Helen Baran, Nicole Behrens, Carol
Berry, Susan Boudreau, Wanda Jean Burris, Christa Caldwell, Virginia
Clark, Debbie Cuevas, Bonnie Daggett, Elaine Delaney, Gloria M. Dixon,
Ann E. Ellsworth, Lindsay Farrell, Dr. Susan Fox, Mathylde Frontus,
Virginia Gallagher, Diane C. Ganz, Mary Herlihy Gearan, Deirdre Glenn,
Karen Gordon, Elizabeth Gulotta, Phyllis E. Gunther, Mary E. Holtz,
Grace Johnson, Debra Markell Kleinert, Dr. Anne M. Kress, Frances-Ann
Lightsy, Fredericka G. Mabon, Dr. Martha MacGuffie (deceased), Barbara
Medina, Elizabeth Miller, Janet Miller, Kate Miller, Elissa Montanti,
Mary Morse, Jeanne Mullgrav, Kelly Myers, Mary Nelson, Judy Pepenella,
Christine P'Simer, JoAnn Pushkin, Karen Y. Richmond, Beverly Roberts,
Rossana Rosado, Indi L. Shelby, Vicki Simons, Mary Spink, Gretchen
Hurley Sprock, Leslyn Stewart, Maria A. Thomson, Millie Tomidy-Pepper,
Karen Washington, Judi Whittaker, and Kathleen Wojtaszek-Gariano as a
2011 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction, to be celebrated on
Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at the Annual Women of Distinction Awards Ceremo-
ny in The Well of the Legislative Office Building; and
WHEREAS, Women have become part of New York's lasting heritage by
fighting against sterotypes, prejudice, and seemingly insurmountable
obstacles; and
WHEREAS, From the women's suffrage movement just over 150 years ago to
the present day, women have played and continue to play a crucial role
in adding strength, understanding, and inspiration to the diversity and
quality of life of the people of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, New York State has been, and continues to be, the home to
many distinguished women who have made their mark in history as pioneers
in their field, therefore laying the foundation for women after them to
succeed; and
WHEREAS, September 11, 2011, will mark the 10-year Anniversary of the
unprecedented tragedy that befell our State and Nation on September 11,
2001; this year we again remember "Women of Distinction" honorees Moira
Smith, a decorated NYPD Officer; Captain Kathy Mazza, the first female
commandant of the Port Authority Police Training Academy; and Yamel
Merino, New York State's 2001 Emergency Medical Technician of the Year,
all of whom were among the first responders on the scene at the World
Trade Center, literally saving the lives of hundreds; and

WHEREAS, The horrific events on September 11th shone a bright light on
the heroic actions of emergency service workers working side by side,
running stride for stride, women and men worked together tirelessly to
rescue and recover victims; Women of Distinction commemorates the role
that women have always played in serving our communities; as emergency
and rescue workers, and pay special tribute to the women heroes on the
10th Anniversary of 9/11 who made the ultimate sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes that New York State is the
home to countless women who are strong and colorful threads, vital to
the fabric of our rich heritage, who have contributed, and continue to
add to the advancement of our culture through their traditional and
non-traditional roles in society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned Women of Distinction.