Front, from left Michelle Quinell Gayle and Dawn Bronson Merz. Back, Mary Ann Ashley, Linda Lahey Fay, Lynne Matott and Senator Patty Ritchie.

State Senator Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, recently honored Canton, Ogdensburg and Gouverneur residents as “Women of Distinction.”

She recognized Mary Ann Ashley, Linda Lahey Fay and Michelle Quinell-Gayle, all of Canton, Dawn Bronson Merz of Ogdensburg and Lynn Matott of Gouverneur.

Nominees included educators, community volunteers, entrepreneurs and women at the top of their career fields, Ritchie said.

“Each and every year I’m humbled to have the opportunity recognize local women nominated by colleagues, friends and fellow change-makers who have noticed that they are making a difference,” she said. “Not only does this recognition honor them for the work they do, it also motivates them to go back and continue the wonderful things they are doing in our communities across the region.”

Ritchie’s 47th Senate District includes most of northern and western St. Lawrence County.