Senator Bonacic Announces "woman Of Distinction" Award Winner

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C - Mount Hope) announced today that Sandra Gerry from the 42nd Senate District was selected as a 2005 "Woman of Distinction". The Senate’s "Woman of Distinction" program was created in 1998 to honor New York women who exemplify personal excellence, or whose professional achievements or acts of courage, selflessness, integrity, or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers.

"It is with great pride that I honor Sandra Gerry as aWoman of Distinction and prouder still of the recognition she has earned from neighbors, colleagues, and friends for her achievements on behalf of the community and region," stated Senator Bonacic.

Sandra Gerry of Sullivan County, New York is a graduate of the Tri-Valley Central School District in Grahamsville and the State University of New York at Oneonta. Sandra began her career as an elementary school teacher. She is a community activist who initiated the Sullivan Renaisance beautification and clean-up grant program involving thousands of volunteers and hundreds of organizations and businesses throughout Sullivan County. Mrs. Gerry is Director of Allocations for the Beaverkill Foundation and Chairs the Sullivan County Community College Foundation’s Annual Scholarship benefit raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to increase the number and amounts of scholarships awarded. In addition, Sandra Gerry serves on the board of the Gerry Foundation, a family foundation established to benefit Sullivan County’s economy through the development of a performing arts center in Bethel, New York, the site of the original Woodstock Festival.

Sandra was honored June 14th at an Albany reception, where their photographs and biographies will be on display as part of a special "Women of Distinction" exhibit in the Legislative Office Building.

"Sandra Gerry is a person whose success story is one which we can proudly share with our daughters, sisters, and neighbors. She serves as an example of achievement and excellence for our communities. She is now counted among exceptional New York women whose accomplishments, sacrifices, and deeds on behalf of others are deserving of this special recognition," concluded Senator Bonacic.