In a special ceremony at the Nassau County Executive/Legislative Building in Mineola, Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) honored Lorraine Donlon as the 2002 Woman Trailblazer from the 16th Legislative District. The Women's: Trailblazers of the New Millennium" awards ceremony, now in its fifth year, celebrates Women's History Month by recognizing extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of women throughout the country.

"Loraine has made an investment in her community that stands as a model of civic activism," said Jacobs. "Her hard work and dedication as an educator and volunteer is an outstanding standard of achievement not only for women but for everyone."

Donlon is the founder of the Residents for a More Beautiful Syosset civic association. The organization was formed to beautify and protect the residential character of the community. Future plans for Residents include working with the New York State Department of Transportation to plant trees along Jericho Turnpike and coordinating fund-raising efforts to beautify local parks and playgrounds.

Professionally, Donlon has been teaching elementary school, in the East Rockaway School District for 20 years and holds a masters degree in reading from Dowling College.

"Lorraine is a great asset to the residents of Syosset and we are fortunate to have among us someone who works so diligently for the betterment of their community," said Jacobs.