Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) announced that she’s seeking nominations for her Women of Distinction Awards. The ceremony, which will be held on Friday, April 17, recognizes extraordinary women residing within the assemblywoman’s district.

“March is Women’s History Month, which makes it the perfect time to take a moment to recognize the women who devote their lives to making the world a better place, including those right here at home,” Buttenschon said. “The Women of Distinction Awards are a time to honor local heroes who are breaking down barriers and changing our communities for the better.”

Buttenschon urges people in the 119^th Assembly District to nominate inspirational women by Saturday, March 28. Nominees must reside within the cities of Utica or Rome, or the towns of Floyd, Frankfort, Marcy and Whitestown. Nominations can be submitted online at nyassembly.gov/Buttenschon.

Assemblywoman Buttenschon is also holding a Women of Distinction Essay Contest for local students in grades 6-12. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the state by writing a 500-word essay on any woman who has lived in New York and has positively impacted society.

Students who wish to participate in the Women of Distinction Essay Contest can submit them to Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s office via mail, email or online by Saturday, March 28. Winners of the Women of Distinction Award and the Women of Distinction Essay Contest will be recognized at Buttenschon’s Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 17, at 10 a.m. at the Veteran’s Outreach Center, 726 Washington St., Utica. For more information, contact Assemblywoman Buttenschon at 315-732-1055 or ButtenschonM@nyassembly.gov.