Sen. Patty Ritchie’s office said Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, nominated Rupp “for her commitment to the North Country.”

The New York State Senate launched the “Women of Distinction” program in 1998 to recognize the many contributions of women in New York State who have devoted themselves to their communities, exceled in their careers and inspired those around them to make a difference. Through the program, Senators from across New York State honor women in their districts at a ceremony held in Albany.

In July, Ritchie will host a Women of Distinction event locally, where outstanding women who live in the 48th Senate District she represents—including Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties—will be recognized. Nominations are still being accepted for the program, and you can nominate women for the honor by visiting Senator Ritchie’s website at www.ritchie.nysenate.gov or by calling (315) 782-3418. The deadline to submit nominations is June 20th.

“It was an honor to recognize Mary Lou with the Senate’s ‘Women of Distinction’ award for her many achievements and tremendous dedication to St. Lawrence County and the North Country,” Ritchie said in a news release. “We worked closely together for years before I became State Senator, and I have always known Mary Lou to be hardworking, generous and always willing to give back in an effort to improve her community. I was pleased to honor her with this award, and look forward to recognizing other outstanding women from my region at a ceremony I will be hosting locally in July.”

“I am honored to be named a 2018 New York Senate ‘Woman of Distinction’ and I thank Senator Ritchie for nominating me for this special recognition,” Mary Lou said. “It’s a privilege to be recognized with other women who have contributed to their communities in so many ways.”

Rupp is a graduate of Heuvelton Central School and SUNY Potsdam. She joined the St. Lawrence County Clerk’s office in 2003, quickly rising through the ranks until her appointment as deputy county clerk.

Since becoming county clerk in 2011, Rupp has “continued the office’s strong tradition of excellent customer service, growing the successful Motor Vehicles operation, which channels millions of dollars in non-tax revenue to help balance the county’s budget, and protect county residents from rising property taxes,” Ritchie’s office said.

Ritchie’s office said Rupp has “worked hard to modernize” the county clerk’s office, introducing electronic recording, giving banks, attorneys, title companies and others a paperless option to securely record documents.

In addition, she also created a county veterans’ ID, which provides discounts from participating local businesses to men and women who served. Rupp also “enthusiastically” joined Ritchie’s efforts to honor those still serving through the Senator’s “Christmas Cards for Our Troops” program, the senator’s office said.

“Mary Lou has also taken it up on herself to encourage life-saving organ donation, and ensures that her office and staff are fixtures at events like the Ogdensburg Boys & Girls Club Expo, Senior Health and Wellness Fairs and ‘Lights on the River,’” Ritchie’s office said.

Prior to her public service, Rupp and her husband, William, owned and operated several successful restaurants, including a number of Jreck Subs locations and Simply Sandwiches in Ogdensburg. The couple are parents of two daughters, Abbie and Kelsie, and have two grandchildren.