New York State Senator Michael Balboni (R-Mineola) recently presented educator and advocate Judi Bosworth with a New York State Woman of Distinction award.

The award honors women for their contributions toward enriching the quality of life in their communities and beyond.

"Judi Bosworth has enriched numerous lives with her passion and her dedication to quality education," Senator Balboni said. "She has been an incredibly positive force in Great Neck, and really, throughout the state."

Ms. Bosworth is a former elementary school teacher and is currently vice president of the board of education of the Great Neck Public Schools. She also served with distinction as president of the board from 1998 to 2003.

Locally, Ms. Bosworth is board liaison to the Great Neck Senior Center and a member of the board of directors of the Great Neck-Manhasset Community Child Care Partnership and the Great Neck United Community Fund. She also serves on the advisory boards of the Open Door Parent-Child Caring Center and FOCUS (Foundation of Community Unified Services, Inc.).

Ms. Bosworth is a past executive vice president and vice president of the school district's United Parent-Teacher Council and a past president of the South High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association and the Saddle Rock School Parent-Teacher Association. She is also a past member of the Temple Beth-El Jewish board of education. In recognition of her extraordinary commitment to the community, Ms. Bosworth was designated Trailblazer of the New Millennium 2003 by the Nassau County Legislature. In 2001, the Town of North Hempstead named her to its Women's Honor Roll.

Ms. Bosworth's advocacy for children also extends well beyond the local school district to the national and state levels. She is the regional representative to the Federal Relations Network of the National School Boards Association, as well as the regional representative to the State Legislative Network of the New York State School Boards Association.

A former elementary school teacher, Ms. Bosworth holds an MS in early childhood education and a BS in education from Queens College. She is married to Jay Bosworth, MD. Their children, graduates of the Great Neck Public Schools, are Brian Bosworth, MD, and Michael Bosworth, an attorney. Brian and his wife, Lauren, an attorney, recently became the proud parents of Andrew Benjamin, Ms. Bosworth's first grandchild.

"Clearly, Judi Bosworth is a Woman of Distinction who serves her family, her community, and Nassau County's children with tireless devotion and enthusiasm," Senator Balboni said.