BYP co-founder selected as ‘Woman of Distinction’

Rockville Centre resident Ellen White has been honored as a New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction” for her work as co-founder of the BackYard Players & Friends — an inclusive arts based program designed to strengthen social skills for teens and young adults — as well as her involvement in South Side High School’s annual Centre Stage play.

State Senator Todd Kaminsky selected White for the honor, and she was presented with the award on May 9 at the state capitol along with a number of other recipients. “What a great honor to have been selected by Senator Todd Kaminsky as a Woman of Distinction for 2017,” White said. “It was very humbling to sit in an audience of such accomplished women on the 150th anniversary of the suffrage movement.”

The Women of Distinction program was created to recognize New York women who exemplify personal excellence, courage, selflessness, integrity and perserverance. “I was proud to nominate Ellen — who has been an amazing resource for children with developmental disabilities — as a 2017 ‘woman of Distinction,’” the senator said. “…Her passion for helping others is obvious to any