In honor of Women's History Month, Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) awarded the 2014 Women of Distinction to four outstanding women and one group of community advocates from the towns of Cicero, Clay, Fabius, Manlius, Pompey, and Tully that make up the 127th Assembly District. The event took place on March 22 at the Fayettville Village Offices and was emceed by Ellen Abbott, reporter for WRVO Public Radio.

"It was an honor to be in the presence of so many women who have contributed so much to Central New York," Ellen Abbott said. "From the senior citizens of the Cicero Swamp Angels to the teens who penned essays about influential women, all should be commended for a job well done."

This year, four more women and a community group were recognized for their contributions to the community. Melissa Spicer and Melinda Sorrentino, sisters and founders of "Clear Path for Veterans", Dr. Ann S. Botash, Professor of Pediatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical Hospital, Dr. Kathleen Esposito, retired special education teacher at Main Street School. The Cicero Senior Center Swamp Angels were also recognized for their community advocacy.

Last year, four women were recognized for their contributions to education, civics, health care and volunteerism. Eighth-grade science teacher Hope Pelton, Meals on Wheels volunteer Georgia Sokolowski, State Trooper Sobrina Vazquez and Dr. Ruth Weinstock were named 2013 Women of Distinction.

Assemblyman Stirpe also awarded two students the 2nd annual Women of Distinction Essay Writing Contest Awards. This year's awardees were Emily Hoy, 6th grader from Soule Road Elementary School and Sierra Yonko, 7th grader from Tully High School. Samantha Fleming from East Syracuse- Minoa High School and Chris Wintermute from Tully High School were 2013 essay contest winners.

"The Women of Distinction Awards are an opportunity to recognize the remarkable women who are making a difference throughout Central New York," Assemblyman Stirpe said. "Their achievements and contributions help make our community a great place to live, work and raise a family. I'm honored to have the opportunity to thank these outstanding women for their efforts."

Judy Dickson accepts Assemblyman Al Stirpe's 2014 Women of Distinction Award on behalf of the Cicero Senior Center Swamp Angels.

Ellen Abbot of WRVO is a special guest and the emcee of Al Stirpe's 2014 Women of Distinction Awards, held on Saturday, March 22nd at the Village of Fayettville.

Assemblyman Al Stirpe awards sisters Melinda Sorrentino and Melissa Spicer, founders of Clear Path for Veterans, with his 2014 Women of Distinction Award.

Assemblyman Al Stirpe joins the wonderful women of the Cicero Senior Center Swamp Angels, recipients of his 2014 Women of Distinction Awards.

Assemblyman Al Stirpe and Emily Hoy, 6th grader at Soule Road Elementary in Liverpool and a 2014 Women of Distinction Essay Contest Winner.

Assemblyman Al Stirpe joins Sierra Yonko, 7th grader at Tully High School, and her family to celebrate her being a 2014 Women of Distinction Essay Contest Winner.