What is a 'woman of distinction?'

That is a question we at the American Heart Association have been considering for a number of months as we prepare to present the inaugural New Jersey Go Red for Women "Woman of Distinction" Award on May 7 at the New Jersey Go Red for Women Luncheon.

Is it a woman making extraordinary contributions to society and health? Is it a woman making sustained or unique efforts to improve the community? Should the Go Red for Women "Woman of Distinction" recipient be someone who serves as a role model to women and promotes a healthy lifestyle among women? Should it be a woman who is a role model to other women?

On April 1, we shared with our volunteers a wonderful article about Rutgers University women's basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer published that day in one of New Jersey's major daily newspapers.

The article spoke about the family atmosphere created by Coach Stringer with her teams. It spoke about her emphasis on academics and life and shared stories from the past 30 years in which former players shared how they consider Coach Stringer a mentor, leader, adviser, friend and second mother.

It was obvious she had, and continues to have, great impact on their lives. Sharing the article with our volunteers, we said, now here is a woman of distinction.

During the past two weeks, however, our definition of woman of distinction broadened and took on new meaning as Essence Carson, Heather Zurich, Kia Vaughn, Matee Ajavon, Epiphanny Prince, Katie Adams, Brittany Ray, Myia McCurdy, Rashidat Junaid and Dee Dee Jerrigan, with Coach Stringer by their side, showed all of us that age has little to do with taking a stance, making a difference, or what a woman of distinction might be.

With people across the country and across the globe watching, these 10 student athletes, ages 18, 19 and 20, redefined dignity, poise, grace, character, self respect and possibility. During the past two weeks, they won their championship.

We talk a great deal of legacy with the Go Red for Women movement - a legacy of wellness, health, hope and living a longer, stronger life for New Jersey women and women across the country. Through their dignity and grace, these 10 young Scarlet Knights have left a remarkable legacy for women for generations to come. They've made New Jersey proud.

Our congratulations go out to these Rutgers women of distinction for making extraordinary contributions to women and society.

Peter C. Cary

Director of Communications

American Heart Association

Robbinsville