Bonita A. Winter Wright and Bette L. Kennedy of Ogdensburg and Heuvelton Central teacher Susan Todd were among 15 women from central and northern New York chosen by state Sen. Patty Ritchie to be honored at a “Women of Distinction” event in Watertown Thursday evening.

The nominees from St. Lawrence County included:

• Bonita A. Winter Wright has spent her life helping to make a difference in the lives of others. She has been a leader in the Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce, the Ogdensburg Zonta Club, the Ogdensburg Garden Club, Festival of Trees, Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club, Claxton Medical Center Gift Shop, as well as the board of trustees at Canisius College in Buffalo and Ringling College of Art and Design. As president and CEO of Ogdensburg Pepsi Cola Bottlers, she and her family, like her father before them, have played a critical role behind the scenes in helping hundreds of organizations and community events each year, including St. Joseph’s Home Building Fund, Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club, The Richard E. Winter Cancer Treatment Center Expansion Fund, and the Richard E. Winter Chapel at St. Mary’s Cathedral. But more importantly, she has shown through her own hard work and dedication how one person can help groups succeed, whether by chairing Ogdensburg’s Project Graduation three times, coaching and judging Odyssey of the Mind, helping with St. Lawrence County’s Marching Band Day at the county fair, or assisting Ogdensburg Catholic Central School.

• Susan Todd is the current Superintendent of Heuvelton Central School. Susan took the difficult path of a non-traditional college student when, at age 30, she returned to school to pursue a degree in education after being a stay-at-home mom to her three young sons. Susan has developed and presented numerous workshops, where she has served both as a guest speaker and presenter, as well as an adjunct instructor at St. Lawrence University and SUNY Potsdam. Susan was nominated because of the leadership and vision she has provided for Heuvelton Central School District, and for touching the lives of so many students. Susan is married with three sons and eight grandchildren.

• Bette L. Kennedy is a housewife who raised her six children, and now helps with her 20 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She volunteers for her church, First Baptist in Ogdensburg, and serves on the Board. She also volunteers at her local hospital, while tending to her family and taking care of her husband, who is retired. Bette enjoys sewing, quilting, knitting, baking, reading and playing with her grandchildren. Bette was nominated because she is known by many people in Ogdensburg and surrounding areas as a person who will step up and help with a problem, anytime for anybody and also for “putting up” with her husband of 48 years. She is always willing to provide a listening ear, a consoling word, or advice gleaned from raising her family.

“The Senate’s Woman of Distinction program celebrates the unique contributions of women throughout our history, as well as those who enrich the quality of life in our communities today,” said Sen. Ritchie of Heuvelton, the Senate representative from the 48th District.