Susan Thomas, director of the Craig and Susan Thomas Foundation and wife of the late U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas, was named the 2009 Casper Woman of Distinction at a luncheon Thursday at the Parkway Plaza Hotel.

Others nominated for the award this year included Debra Farris, Greta Hinderliter, Debra Huber, Tara Kronland, Doris Lowe, Jennie Pagel, Barbara Scifers and Diane Wallace.

Thomas received the award based on a cumulative point system that considers professional activities, volunteerism, citizenship, community service, leadership, advocacy of human rights and status of women, high standards of education and depth of commitment.

Through her foundation, Thomas works with Wyoming individuals, organizations and communities to provide opportunities to at-risk youth.

She was one of the first educators in Wyoming to teach students with learning disabilities. After teaching in Casper, she moved to the Washington, D.C., area, when her late husband was elected to Congress and taught for 18 years at Washington-Lee High School.

Thomas was raised in Barnum and has called Casper home for many years.

She works tirelessly for numerous causes, including Relay for Life, Race for the Cure, Casper Rotary Club and Habitat for Humanity and offers her expertise to a variety of boards.

In her spare time, she is an avid runner, enjoys riding horses, gardens and delights in spending time with her large extended family.

The Woman of Distinction Planning and Selection Committee is comprised of four women's service organizations, the American Association of University Women, the American Society of Women Accountants, Alumnae Panhellenic and Soroptimist International of Central Wyoming.

Nominations will again be accepted in mid January of 2010 for the 2010 awards program.