Levittown was strongly represented in the Town of Hempstead's Pathfinder Awards ceremony, with three of the 11 women honored on Tuesday hailing from the area.

Deputy Town Attorney Susan Jacobs, who served as the mistress of ceremonies, noted that each of the women honored have made a significant difference in their communities.

Dr. Jacklyn Nogan, a Levittown chiropractor and president of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce, was recognized in the business category; Gina Interdonato, an active member of the Levittown PTA, was recognized as the honoree in the category of education; and Laura Sullivan, a resident of Wantagh and senior at MacArthur High School, was the high school senior recognized.

The category for business honors a professional woman in a position as an owner, a CEO, or a high level manager of successful industry. The educational category recognizes a professional educator, an administrator or director of a public or private institution of learning who has been outstanding in their field. The high school senior award is a relatively new category. This is a young woman who has shown outstanding leadership qualities and serves as an inspiration to her peers. According to Jacobs, the high school senior category has grown remarkably over the last couple of years. "It's amazing the number of great young students we have out there," said Jacobs. "They are not only achievers in their academic field, but in their social life, their community service, in different types of music. These girls are absolutely fantastic and to know that this is what is following as they grow older, is really a great thing to see."

Dr. Jacklyn Nogan, established Nogan Chiropractic in Levittown nine years ago. She is licensed to practice in both New York and California. She is a member of the New York State Chiropractic Association and New York Chiropractic College Alumni. Nogan also donates clinical tutorial sessions to New York Chiropractic College interns. She is an active member of the Levittown Kiwanis Club, an honorary member of the Levittown Historical Society, and a charter member of the Levittown Community Council. Nogan also served as a director on the boards of the Levittown Library, the Levittown Chamber of Commerce, Levittown Kiwanis, and the Yours, Ours, Mine Community Center.

Nogan has devoted countless hours to the Levittown community and was a sponsor and chairperson for the Levittown 50th Anniversary Committee. She has sponsored a children's holiday party for the last seven years at the YOM Center. Nogan is the second vice president of the Levittown Schools' Dollars for Scholars Program and has received numerous awards for her service. In recognizing her, the town stated, "She is someone who continues to give back to her community from both her standing as a resident and a business leader."

Gina Interdonato has significant involvement with the Levittown School District and is a member of the Levittown PTA. She has served several times as a District Blood Drive Chairperson, participates in AIDS awareness and education, and served on the Vocational Educational Advisory Board. Interdonato was instrumental in starting the nursing assisting program in the district. Additionally, she co-chaired the Attendance Zone Committee, Budget Committee, Food Service Committee, and served as a Senior Citizen Prom volunteer.

As a member of the Northside School PTA, Interdonato organized lunchroom activities for students and was active in organizing the hospital day program. On the Wisdom Lane PTA, she brought guest speakers and educational information to the unit, such as the Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar and the Career Awareness Seminar for students. At Division Avenue High School, she chaired many committees including scholarship and cultural arts and started the spirit squad which oversees the cheerleading events and fund raising. She was the first president of the Dollars for Scholars Program and was responsible for starting that program. In 1994, Interdonato was cited for increasing the awareness of the need for blood donors.

Laura Sullivan is a senior at MacArthur High School, in Levittown. She is an "A" student and belongs to a myriad of organizations including: The National Honor Society, Model Congress, Tri-M Honor Society, Spanish Club, and Key Club. She is also a Renaissance Card recipient. Her community service includes: library aide at MacArthur, LAPs Program at Gardiners and Abbey Lane Elementary Schools, Young Vincentians, and lector and eucharistic minister at St. Frances de Chantal R.C. Church in Wantagh. Sullivan also was chosen to represent the St. Frances Youth at World Youth 2000 in Italy.

As stated at the town's ceremony, "What makes Laura truly special is her love of knowledge and education. When speaking with her you forget you are talking to a teenager and you honestly believe that this young woman has knowledge way beyond her years, yet under her mature exterior lies a teenager thirsty for education, guidance and social connections. She plans to study political science in college and it is a given that she will be a key political figure in the future." According to her guidance counselor, "Laura is a true leader, who has an activity sheet that is impeccable and will make any college or university proud to have her attend." Sullivan has been called an "incomparable, talented, and genuine young lady." Many nominations were received from many high school administrators, according to the town, "the maturity, sincerity, and warmth of this nomination particularly stood out."

In addition to the three honorees from the direct Levittown area, the honoree in the government category was Mary Ellen Brocks, who is the district administrator for the 14th Assembly District, which covers areas including Island Trees, Wantagh, Seaford and parts of Levittown and North Wantagh.

Making the Levittown connection even stronger in this awards ceremony, Jessica Hudes, a Levittown resident and student at Division Avenue High School, sang the National Anthem and On My Own, a selection from Les Miserables.

"The women being honored truly represent the epitome of success in their chosen fields," said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Richard Guardino. "Through their accomplishments, they convey strength, courage, wisdom, and persistence in everything that they do. On a daily basis they have woven together the fabric of families and community, making us all stronger for their efforts."