This Saturday when Assemblyman Tom Alfano hosts his annual Women of Distinction ceremony at the Clara H. Carlson School in Elmont, it will mark the return of former Elmont Superintendent Dr. Maria Palandra.

Dr. Palandra left the Elmont School District following the 2005-2006 school year. She was extremely popular in the community, having spent 25 years in the district including seven-and-a-half as superintendent.

Assemblyman Tom Alfano's fourth annual "Women of Distinction" awards celebration will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 22 at Clara H. Carlson Elementary School on Belmont Boulevard, Elmont. The annual event celebrates the contributions women have made through volunteer service, the professions and unsung efforts. The awards program was created by Assemblyman Alfano to promote service, education and professional development.

Dr. Palandra, after becoming the first honoree of the Sandra Day O'Connor Award, will be presenting the award in its second year.

The 2006 honorees for the "Women of Distinction Awards" are: Bonnie Goddard, Lydia Jameson, Joanna Esposito, Dr. Donna Copper, Juana Thornhill, Judy Rocco, Maria Liz, Mary Jane Havrylkoff, Barbara Rothstein Lynn, Clara Camal, Dr. Emilian Emeagwali, Kathy McManus, Dawn Palmer, Nancy Soevyn, Allyson Phillips, Sally Trye, Harriet Verde, Sherry Singh, Sandy Gerson, Joselina Almonte Rivera, Ava Walker, Daisy Thompson, Frantzie Etienne, Selma Lopez, Carolyn Busch, Lorraine Baker Simon, Dr. Leslie Joyner Gray, Nasreen Ghani, Paula McCalla, Veronica Ebhuoma, Joyce Tucker Smith, Myldred Previl, Icilda Innocent, Dadie DelBrune, Cherry Redhead, Joan Ryan, Monique Wilsondebriano and Marge Dwyer.

In addition to appearing at the Clara H. Carlson School this Saturday, according to Elmont School Board President Robert Nori, current superintendent of schools Al Harper and Dr. Palandra are going to be presenting a workshop together at the New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA) annual conference this fall. The workshop, according to a press release sent by the district, will highlight the district's approach to full and rich education for all students with the sharing of opportunities to develop each child's unique skills and talents.