Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming has nominated Denise Smith-Meacham of Southampton for the county's 2022 Woman of Distinction Award, now in its 20th year. Her nomination was celebrated on March 29 during a gathering of family members, friends, and community members.
Ms. Smith-Meacham is both an educator and activist who has promoted diverse and engaging cultural learning opportunities for students in the Southampton School District and has worked hard to ease food insecurity issues for many people on the South Fork. She volunteers with Maureen's Haven, a network of religious institutions that offer shelter to the homeless, and she has helped people access Covid-19 vaccines, information, and resources.
"Denise Smith-Meacham’s efforts in aiding those facing hardship, coupled with her drive to improve the education of students, make her truly deserving of the honor reflected by this nomination," Ms. Fleming said in an announcement. "Her work shines a light for others and offers our district a model for how volunteer service in the community has far-reaching and lasting benefits for our friends, families, and neighbors."