As part of its celebration of Women's History Month, the Town of Hempstead honored nine residents at its annual Pathfinder Awards ceremony. Women were recognized in nine categories - arts and entertainment, business, community affairs, education, health services, high school senior, humanitarian, volunteer and town employee. The women were chosen from hundreds of applications received by the town's Women's History Committee.

"Confronting challenges in my career and sharing in the victories and successes of other women is very affirming," said Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray. "We are realizing unprecedented goals and future generations of young ladies will be beneficiaries of the accomplishments of our honorees and keynote speaker."

The keynote speaker for the event was NBC news reporter Carolyn Gusoff, who discussed the path of her career and the challenges she faced along the way. Murray noted that this event holds a special place in her heart, being the first woman to be elected as town supervisor.

Councilwoman Angie Cullin, a pathfinder in her own right, noted that Murray has a number of firsts, including being the first woman and first Levittown native to be elected assemblywoman in the 19th District, as well as the first woman and attorney to be elected Hempstead Town Clerk.

"In the Town of Hempstead, we have been at the forefront in providing opportunities for women," said Cullin, who was the first woman to be elected a town councilwoman and first woman to serve as receiver of taxes. "Throughout town government, women are playing a very important role in shaping up town policy. Nowhere else is this evidenced more than by our own town supervisor, Kate Murray."

Murray added that Cullin has been a trailblazer and role model for women in government. "She has embodied the very essence of public service," Murray said. "She cares, she listens and she gets the job done."

The supervisor added that she recently came across a quote that was appropriate for the event. "Muriel Strode said, 'Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.' As we are all aware, women are taking on more significant leadership roles," Murray said. "As we are here today recognizing outstanding women, some truly remarkable women are in Iraq defending the freedoms of the world. I would like to dedicate this ceremony, not only to our wonderful heroes, but to the women, as well as all of our troops, who are risking their lives at this very moment to protect us and our country."

The youngest honoree of the day was H. Frank Carey High School senior Deborah Choi, who was honored for the category of high school senior. The criteria the award calls for a young woman who has shown outstanding leadership qualities and serves as an inspiration to others. Ms. Choi meets the criteria and far exceeds it.

From the age of 12, Deborah dreamed of participating in a mission trip. Sponsored by her church, she was given the opportunity to join a team of 13 from the Senior High Ministry to travel to Eritrea, a small developing country in east Africa. The project consisted of teaching young children from the ages of 5 to 13 in an international summer school. Also, the team helped the mission build a number of improvements to the school.

Preparing for the trip was a very difficult task. The team was responsible for raising funds for the trip along with the supplies they would bring with them. Deborah was in charge of leading many fundraising events that raised the $20,000 needed. The team also prepared school supplies, textbooks, musical instruments and lesson plans for the summer school. The principal of the mission school requested playground equipment and food and the team raised enough money to provide everything requested.

During Deborah's stay in Eritrea, she worked as a second grade teacher's assistant as well as secretary and photographer for the mission team. Deborah's work in Eritrea was a huge learning experience not only for the children she taught, but for herself as well. Giving back to the community is something that is very important to Deborah, who feels that everyone should know the conditions of the world. Deborah has given back much to the community. At the tender age of 18, she has given back more than most.

The Pathfinder Award recipients were chosen by a committee of 10 who selected women who believe in themselves and what they are doing and are not hindered by stereotyped roles, said Supervisor Murray.