ALBANY, 06/11/09-- New York State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) this week honored Jackie Hinckley of Richfield Springs as the 2009 Woman of Distinction for the 51st senate district at the 12th annual senate Women of Distinction ceremony.

“It’s important to have women like Jackie Hinckley helping to provide a better quality of life for our communities,” said Senator Seward.  “Jackie’s dynamic role in establishing the Zone Community Center has given youth in the Richfield Springs area an ideal place to gather, learn and grow.   Jackie is a real life trailblazer and I am extremely proud to honor her as a Woman of Distinction.”

Hinckley is well known throughout Richfield Springs as “the head of the Zone”, and was instrumental in taking the Zone Community Center from a dream to reality.  She helped oversee fundraising efforts that brought in over $130,000 to build the community youth center, serving on the youth center’s board of directors as president and currently as treasurer.

The senate's "Woman of Distinction" program was created in 1998 to honor New York women who exemplify personal excellence, or whose professional achievements or acts of courage, selflessness, integrity or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers.

Hinckley was recognized during a reception at the Capitol this week along with other honorees from across the state.

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