New York State Senator Kemp Hannon recently selected Dr. Roberta A. Gerold as one of the women to represent the 6th Senate District in the New York State Senate 2004 "Women of Distinction" program. Dr. Gerold, the superintendent of the Farmingdale School District, received the honor with Joanne Meyer-Jendras of Garden City.

"I am proud to recognize Roberta Gerold and Joanne Meyer-Jendras as Women of Distinction and prouder still of the recognition they have earned from there neighbors, colleagues and friends for their achievements on behalf of our community," Hannon said.

The senator selected Dr. Gerold as a "Woman of Distinction" because of her excellence in service as the superintendent of schools for the Farmingdale School District, a position she has held since July 2001. As a founding member of the Farmingdale Community Summit Council, she has helped events such as the Summit Expo and Health Fair and Farmingdale Reads, a celebration of literacy, become part of the community's annual calendar.

Prior to her appointment of Farmingdale Superintendency, she was the superintendent of the Miller Place Schools (1996-2001), the assistant superintendent for instruction in Levittown Schools (1993-1996) and the assistant for curriculum and student services in the West Babylon School District (1987-1993). Dr. Gerold was also named by the Suffolk County Martin Luther King Jr. Commission as a recipient of the 2004 Community Service Award.

"Joanne and Roberta are success stories that we can proudly share with our neighbors and who will serve as examples for achievement and excellence for our entire community," Hannon said. "Their names now join that of other women whose accomplishments, sacrifices and deeds on behalf of others are deserving of special honor."

Gerold and Meyer-Jendras are to be honored June 8 at an Albany reception, where their photographs and biographies will be displayed in a special exhibit at the Legislative Office Building.

The Senate's "Women of Distinction" program was created in 1998 to honor women across the state who exemplify personal excellence, or whose personal selflessness or achievements serve as an example to all New Yorkers. Since the Program was started Senator Hannon has recognized the following women from his district: Jeanine Bondi-Steinman and Mairead Barrett in 1998; Maureen Clancy in 1999; Ann Irvin and Delores Kershaw in 2000; Abby Kenigsberg and Pat Hieronymus in 2001; and Dr. Greta Rainsford and Friedrika Conway in 2002; and Jean Kelly and Gladys Serrano in 2003.