Last year, New York State Assemblyman Tom Alfano wanted to do something to honor the contributions in the community of Elmont. With the help of his chief of staff Scott Cushing, Alfano formed an annual Women of Distinction ceremony. The ceremony, which was held in July, honored 35 women all worthy of being called women of distinction. This July, Alfano honored another 32 women whose contributions to Elmont have made the community what it is - a community of diversity with its members working together.

Cheryl Lee, a 2003 honoree, welcomed everyone to the Gotham Avenue School to honor the 2004 honorees who come from different backgrounds, but all have made important contributions that have affected the lives of others.

"There are so many unsung heroes in the community who volunteer and make things happen in Elmont. The honorees are the backbone of the community. They're at PTA meetings, civic association affairs and volunteering for church and synagogue," said Assemblyman Alfano.

Highly respected Superintendent of Schools for the Elmont School District Dr. Maria Palandra welcomed everyone to the Gotham Avenue School, which hosted the ceremony. Last year's was held at the Covert Avenue School.

"I want to thank Assemblyman Alfano for having this ceremony, which recognizes the achievements and service that women throughout Elmont have made. These honorees make a difference in our community," Dr. Palandra said. "The richness of Elmont and the richness of its people."

Elmont School Board President Aubrey Phillips, while addressing the women of distinction and their families and friends, quoted the late tennis player and humanitarian Arthur Ashe, who said, "It doesn't have to glitter to be gold."

The statement is appropriate considering a lot of work of the women of distinction often goes without glamor, but the reward is the improvement to the community and the lives that have been touched. "Each of the honorees has made a special effort in improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Many of you have made a difference in the life of a child. Others have worked tirelessly to make our neighborhoods better through civic associations and community volunteer groups. All of you are not only deserving of this honor, but you're the lifeblood of the community," Alfano said.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Marsha Darling, who serves as professor of history and interdisciplinary studies as well as the director of African American and ethnic studies at Adelphi University.

Dr. Darling, who recently moved to Elmont, spoke about how the women of distinction lifted themselves up and in the process, have taken others in their community with them.

Like last year's honorees, this year's honorees come from different backgrounds and have played different roles in the community. However, they have one major thing in common. They have worked hard to improve life for all of their family members, friends and neighbors. Congratulations to the 2004 Elmont Women of Distinction. They are:

Aletra Babb - Girl Scout leader, Dutch Broadway PTA leader and civic member

Anna Barbagallo - Interschool PTA President, assistant at McGraw Hill, Nassau PTA

Annette Sullivan - Clerk to the Elmont Board of Education, PTSA president, civic leader

Barbara Reynolds - Dutch Broadway PTA president, Argo Civic Association, accountant for North Shore Hospital

Betty Mendoza - Gotham Avenue School PTA leader, Boy and Girl Scouts

Carline Moya - Coach of Elmont Panthers, Citibank employee, PTA member

Carol Parker-Duncanson - Soccer coach, PTA president, nutrition specialist NYC

Carolyn Tyler - Teacher at Stewart Manor School, assistant soccer coach, president of the Sewanhaka Booster Club

Dara Dick - Teacher at Gotham and Alden Terrace Schools, member of NYSSMA, band director

Deniece Walker - Jamaica Square Improvement League secretary, ECC member, member of the National Health Career Association

Eileen Levine - Chairperson of adult education at Elmont Jewish Center, PTA member

Elizabeth Allen - Soccer coach, PTA president, masters degree in nutrition

Elza Duplessy - LPN Franklin Emergency Room, PTA member, House Mother Boy Scouts

Glenda Cadet - Nursing student, civic volunteer, Elmont Memorial PTSA

Hazel-Ann Lett - Healthcare worker, civic leader, Elmont Memorial PTSA

Jean Bradley - mental health worker, GYO, Jamaica Square Improvement League

Jean Perrin - NYS Nurses Association, St. John's United Methodist Church Bible Camp, PTA member

Karen Benjamin - Comptroller radiology group, co-president of inter-school PTA, basketball coach for LI Trotters

Kim Simpson - track coach, vice president of Alden Terrace PTA, flight attendant

Pam Byer - Alden Terrace PTA, inter-school PTA council and church volunteer

Lucinda Zorlenzan - teacher at CHC School, Elmont Fire Department Auxiliary, Elmont Chamber of Commerce

Magaly Polo - assistant director at Queens Mental Health Org, civic leader, police activist

Mary McRae - first African American on Elmont School Board, Jamaica Square president, president of Gospel Chorus

Nadine Keller - Elmont Panthers track coach, Dutch Broadway School PTA member, active church member

Natalie Roberts - secretary to civic association, ECCC and EQL member

Patricia Pryce - Project manager for Adm. of Children, Dutch Broadway School PTA inter-school

Princeness Purcell - 1199 Union leader, health care worker, Elmont Memorial PTSA member

Rosemary Haigh - teacher, Elmont East End Civic Association secretary, foreign language academy teacher

Rosemary Romano - NYSUT representative, teacher at Gotham Avenue School, Elmont Chamber of Commerce

Uliana Cavalluzzo - School lunch coordinator at Elmont Schools, library assistant, PTA treasurer

Wanda Boyd - Elmont Memorial High School PTSA, Parkhurst Civic Association

Jean Grant