Four area high school seniors have been named recipients of the 2008 Young Women of Distinction Awards, presented by the Greater Rochester Women's Council, an affiliate of the Rochester Business Alliance. The recipients were Christine Choudri of Penfield High School (awarded the top honor), Anne Palermo of Batavia High School, Carolyn Gombert of Wilson Magnet High School, and Emily Katherine Redman of Webster Thomas High School.

In addition, these young women will be awarded internships at either PAETEC, Entre Computers or Next Step Magazine. The young women were selected from 22 finalists culled from 140 nominations from around the region.

Young Women of Distinction, modeled on the prestigious ATHENA Award, recognizes area high school juniors or seniors who have demonstrated superior academic performance, community service and leadership qualities.

The awards were presented Thursday evening at an event honoring all the nominees at the Eisenhart Auditorium. The keynote speaker was 2008 ATHENA recipient, Dr. Ruth Lawrence.