Assemblyman Jones recognies nine Women of Distinction including Peru’s Helen Nerska
Carlene Allen Wood Photo
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) recognized nine women from across the North Country as Women of Distinction at his annual award ceremony Thursday evening. This year, the event was held at MHAB Life Skills Campus in Plattsburgh.
Each year, Jones invites community members to nominate impactful women from across numerous categories to be recognized for their efforts throughout the district. After carefully reading through the over 200 heartfelt nominations he received, the Assemblyman proudly notified the winners.
“It is my honor to recognize this year’s Women of Distinction awardees,” Jones said. “Between volunteering to help those in need or going above and beyond in their professions to best serve their communities, this year’s honorees are truly making a difference in the North Country. Please join me in congratulating these women for this well-deserved award.”
The recipients of the 2025 Women of Distinction awards are:
- Valerie Abraham-Rogers, Volunteerism Award
- Valerie Ainsworth, Service to our Hometown Heroes Award
- Maria Alexander, North Country Neighbor Award
- Amanda Bulris-Allen, Healthcare Award
- Michele Carpentier, Education Award
- May Chow, Law Enforcement Award
- Geana Dyer, Trailblazer Award
- Helen Nerksa, Community/Civic Affairs Award
- Joy VanLeuvan, Businesswoman Award
Individual biographies of all awardees are available on the Assemblyman’s social media pages.
Posted: May 23rd, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Community Events, Education News, General News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Peru/Regional History, State Government News, State Legislator News.