Three women and one student were honored as part of West New York’s celebration of International Women’s Day on Thursday night at the town’s new, community center on Bergenline Avenue.
Located at 5712 Bergenline, the community center is located next to the future site of the town’s new library. According to Mayor Albio Sires, Thursday’s event was held so the community could learn about the accomplishments of the four, outstanding women who reside in the municipality.
Carol Rauscher received the Legacy Award. Rauscher is the President and CEO of the North Jersey Chamber of Commerce. She was instrumental in establishing the annual Farmer’s Market, launching the promotions for the town’s Restaurant Month, plus promoting the street bazaar and holiday business events. Cuban immigrant Claudia Blanco, a professional photographer, is the recipient of the Visionary Award, while Memorial High School graduate Daisy Santiago is an educator who returned to Memorial to work as a special education math teacher, and now works as a guidance counselor in the district.
The Rising Star Award went to Memorial High School’s 2026 salutatorian, Jaylin Suarez, who has already earned enough college credits for an Associate’s Degree.
Congratulations go out to all of this year’s award recipients.