Rockville Centre Resident Named Woman Of Distinction

On Wednesday, Sen. Todd Kaminksy honored Rockville Centre resident Ellen White as one of the 2017 “Women of Distinction” for her work using art to support children with developmental disabilities. White has helped write and produce South Side High School's annual Centre Stage production, and co-founded BackYard Players & Friends — an inclusive arts-based program designed to enhance the social and interpersonal skills for teens and young adults.

"I was proud to nominate Ellen — who has been an amazing resource for children with developmental disabilities — as a 2017 ‘Woman of Distinction,’” said Kaminsky. “Through projects such as the Centre Stage, BackYard Players & Friends, or many others she leads, Ellen has used art to create vibrant and all-inclusive communities that support those with developmental disabilities. Her passion for helping others is obvious to anyone who meets her, and she sets an inspirational example we should all follow.”

Centre Stage is a very popular program at South Side High School that pairs general- and special-education kids together to put on an original musical show that's usually written, at least in part, but the kids themselves. They come up with the script and choreography, and put on the show — almost always to sold-out crowds at the high school. The BackYard Players expanded that program to continue when school wasn't in session, and for kids who had graduated.

“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. To walk through the hallways of the Capital and sit in on the senate while current legislation was being passed. It was especially moving when Senator Kaminsky stood on the Senate floor and spoke passionately about passing a bill to protect our police officers and first responders. My husband Chris is a retired lieutenant with the NYPD and my sons Timothy and Ryan currently serve as NYPD officers. It was wonderful to be in there when the bill passed as it had such personal meaning to me and my family.”

Every year, each senator nominates one woman from their district to be a Woman of Distinction. The honorees are people who exemplify personal excellence, courage, selflessness, integrity and perseverance.

Photo: Todd Kaminsky's Office