State Senator Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, on Thursday recognized nine St. Lawrence County “Women of Distinction” at a ceremony held Thursday at the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library in Watertown.

She said the honor recognizes their contributions to area communities.

They are:

• Ann Adams of DeKalb Junction, former Hermon-DeKalb Central School District superintendent

• Joyce Ann Thomas Dalton of Canton, Canton Rescue Squad president

• Susan Duffy Ogdensburg, president and CEO of Queenaire Technology, which sells ozone and hydroxyl air treatment systems

• Mary Farley of Gouverneur, first woman in St. Lawrence County to be elected state supreme court justice

• Patti Laraby of Massena, started Square 1 Art school arts fundraiser

• Carol LaSala of Canton, business manager for Gouverneur Central School District

• Marlinda LaValley of Gouverneur, CEO of Gouverneur Hospital

• Sherry Stone of Canton, Canton Winterfest fundraising organizer and St. Lawrence County Dairy Princess parade coordinator

• Judith Van Kennen of Massena, pastor of Emmanuel Congregational Church in Massena

“This year’s honorees represent such a wide variety of talents and accomplishments, everyone from educators and community volunteers to individuals in public service and entrepreneurs,” Ritchie said. “These women are true trailblazers who could have taken their talents anywhere. However, as a community, we’re so very lucky they have decided to put them to use right here in our region. I’m humbled to be able to honor them, and wish them the best of luck as they continue to make a difference.