slides: YWCA Honors Five Leaders for Empowering Women

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Ashley Klann, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Dr. Melinda Boone and Pgyllis Pollack were among two of the five women honored Tuesday by the YWCA.

The Central Mass. YWCA stayed committed to its declaration to eliminate racism and empower women in honoring five local women with the Katharine F. Erskine Award at Mechanics Hall on Tuesday, May 8th. The five recipients displayed admirable characteristics in separate fields and have helped change the lives of many women through their dedication and work.

The awards ceremony began with Lynne McKenny Lydick who received an award for her work in arts and culture. Lydick played Abby Kelly Foster in a one-woman play about the namesake of local shelter for homeless women and children, Abby’s House. She has also been involved with other organizations including Planned Parenthood, Worcester Women’s History Project, the Jane Fund, and the Red Cross.

Lydick dedicated her award to Abby.

Allison Lane was awarded for her work with Girl Scouts of Central Mass. Lane is a board member and current Board President of Girl Scouts of Central and Western MA as well as a former Co-Chair at Central Mass. Committee of the Women's Bar Association, and a member of the Board of Directors at Girls Incorporated. She also volunteers at Women’s Initiative of United Way.

"Each year, I've left Mechanics Hall feeling reinspired," she said upon accepting her award and joining fellow honorees.

While Lane's background is in law, she was truly moved when speaking of her work with local Girl Scouts.

"Let’s make every year the year of the girl," she said with teary eyes.

Janice Yost received an honor for her work with social science and government, specifically for her work at the Health Foundation of Central Mass. of which she is President. She was also praised for her work to combat chronic adult homelessness. Her leadership role in fighting that issue and her work with United Way and the Worcester Economic Club preceded her.

"No one accomplishes anything meaningful all by themselves," she said. She spoke of the importance of all of the honorees reenergizing themselves in their service.

Worcester Public School Superintendent, Dr. Melinda Boone, who was honored for her work in education.

Boone comes from a family of educators and was "destined for a leadership role," said presenter Stacey Luster. Under her outlook, dropout rates lowered and more students are enrolling in AP courses at Worcester Public schools.

"Worcester Public Schools are so fortunate to have great leaders and I'm honored to serve with them," Boone said.

Phyllis Pollack M.D. who was awarded for her work "healing the hearts of our youngest citizens." She was honored for her longtime devotion to pediatrics and cardiology.

"I've met wonderful, courageous families," she said. Pollack also praised the city of Worcester and spoke about its rich culture from the Worcester Art Museum to Tower Hill.

The five recipients of the Katharine F. Erskine Award fit well with the YWCA’s commitment to ending racism and empowering women in the workforce and other areas of life.

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Dr. Melinda Boone

Worcester Public School Superintendent, Dr. Melinda Boone, who was honored for her work in education.

"Worcester Public Schools are so fortunate to have great leaders and I'm honored to serve with them," Boone said.

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Allison Lane

Allison Lane, who was recognized for her work with Girl Scouts of Central Mass. Her award was for business and law.

"Each year, I've left Mechanics Hall feeling reinspired," she said upon accepting her award and joining fellow honorees.

While Lane's background is in law, she was truly moved when speaking of her work with local Girl Scouts.

"Make every year the year of the girl," she said with teary eyes.

Prev Next

Janice Yost

Janice Yost received an honor for her work with social science and government, specifically at the Health Foundation of Central Mass and her work to combat chronic adult homelessness. Her leadership role in fighting that issue and her work with United Wayand the Worcester Economic Club preceded her.

"No one accomplishes anything meaningful all by themselves," she said. She spoke of the importance of all of the honorees reenergizing themselves in their service.

Prev Next

Phyllis Pollack M.D.

Phyllis Pollack M.D. who was awarded for her work "healing the hearts of our youngest citizens." She was honored for her longtime devotion to pediatrics and cardiology.

"I've met wonderful, courageous families," she said. Pollack also praised the city of Worcester and spoke about its rich culture from the WAM to Tower Hill.

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Lynne McKenney Lydick

Lynne McKenney Lydick, who dedicated her award to Abby's House, a shelter for homeless women and children in Worcester. She was honored for her work in empowering women and promoting peace and justice.

Presenter, Stacey Luster, said that many have given Lydick credit with ending racism.

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Dr. Boone

Dr. Boone being congratulated by Stacey Luster, Chair of the Katharine F. Erskine Awards Committee and presenter.

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For Healing Hearts

Phyllis Pollack accepting her award.

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Closing Remarks

The five awarded women, seated as Linda Cavaioli, -- Central Mass. YWCA's Executive Director -- gives closing remarks. She addressed rising needs and encouraged all recipients to be the voice of every woman.