Paula Camacho of Farmingdale has been named New York State first prize winner in the Poetry Division of the Alice Abel National Literary Contest. The contest was open to all mothers and was sponsored by American Mothers, Inc. (AMI), a nonpolitical, interracial, interfaith, nonprofit organization which seeks to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and the home. Camacho's winning entry will now be entered, along with the winning entries from each state, for judging by the National Committee.

Camacho is a native New Yorker who has lived in Farmingdale since 1976. After high school, she attended St. Catherine's School of Nursing and became a registered nurse. She returned to school after her second son was born and earned a bachelor of science nursing degree at Molloy College and has worked in this field in various roles.

She describes her husband, Bill, and sons Billy, Joey and Anthony as a "wonderful family." They, along with friends and relatives, helped Camacho through her recent treatments and recovery from breast cancer. She considers herself a survivor and finds writing poetry both enjoyable and therapeutic.

AMI has many chapters throughout the country and provides numerous services for mothers to help ease the difficulties of parenting as well as recognize its joys. This organization is recognized by the US Chamber of Commerce as the official sponsor of Mother's Day and each year conducts a search for a remarkable mother who receives the title "National Mother of the Year." The person receiving this highest honor is selected from State Mothers of the Year. Jeanette T. Johns, a 45-year resident of Farmingdale, was selected as the "NYS Mother of the Year" for 1997. She currently serves as NYS Literature chairperson. It was in this capacity that she conducted the Literature Contest for the state of New York.