Four from Goshen are Women of Achievement

GOSHEN — Four women from Goshen are among this year's picks for the Tribute to Orange County Women of Achievement honorees.

Shannon Wong, a Democratic county legislator, and Lynn Cione, the current executive director of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and former executive director of the Goshen Chamber, and Michelle A. Koury, MD, of Crystal Run Healthcare are among the nine honorees (see sidebar for full list). And Ayla Devenney, a student at Goshen High School was chosen Women of the Future.

Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson and YWCA Orange County selected the women for this annual tribute, now in its 23rd year, that they sponsor jointly. The Tribute honors women of Orange County who have made a difference to the community in their professional, personal, or school-based activities. The award is jointly hosted by the Girl Scouts and YWCA Orange County.

"I was delighted to have the privilege of notifying each of the 2015 honorees of their recognition and to congratulate them on their many accomplishments and contributions to our community," said 2015 Tribute Chair Maureen Crush, a 2012 honoree. "I appreciate the significant investment in time made by this year's selection committee, chaired by Kristin Jensen, to ensure that Tribute once again has an outstanding panel of honorees who exemplify the mission and ideals of the Girl Scouts and YWCA."

Jensen said, "Our volunteer selection committee took on the challenge of carefully reviewing and evaluating an abundance of nominations for outstanding women from all walks of life throughout Orange County. We were honored to have the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with so many women of achievement and select a slate of honorees for 2015 that will uphold the ideals of Tribute, be an inspiration to others, and serve as role models to women of all ages."

More than 230 women from throughout the county have been recognized since the award’s inception in 1992. This year's Tribute honorees will be recognized at an awards dinner on Wednesday, May 13, at Anthony's Pier 9 in New Windsor.