Who was Jean M.
Coon?
 Jean McCoy Coon was educated in the
Syracuse New York area. A graduate of Syracuse University,
cum laude 1951, she continued her education at Syracuse Law
School, graduating magna cum laude in 1953.
Jean’s legal career began as Legal
Counsel for Municipal Affairs in the New York State
Comptroller’s Office. Returning to the Syracuse area when
her father was ill, Jean served for a year as Deputy Clerk
to the Children’s Court of Onondaga County. After her
father’s death, she returned to the Albany area and, in
1956, joined the N.Y. S. Assembly staff as a Research
Counsel. In 1957, Jean became an Assistant Attorney
General in the N.Y.S. Department of Law. In 1971 she became
Assistant Solicitor General for New York State. She ended
her career as Deputy Counsel for the N.Y. S. Education
Department.
Jean argued many precedent setting cases
in the New York State Court of Appeals and her reputation
among the bar and the judiciary was unparalleled
Jean joined the Zonta
Club of Saratoga County in 1962, transferring from the
Zonta Club of Syracuse. She served as the Governor of
District II and was Parliamentarian of the Zonta
International Board from 1979-1980. She served as Chairman
of the Zonta International By-Law Committee.
An active member of her
Ballston Spa community, her humanitarian efforts were always
with a small “h” and never self-serving. Good things just
happened and most people never knew that Jean was the
impetus behind the results.
In 1982, Jean died at age
52. Shortly thereafter, District II established the
District II Jean M. Coon Humanitarian Award to honor her
many achievements.
Who May Apply
Each Zonta Club in
District II solicits applications from high school juniors
and seniors in its area. In the spring, each club selects a
club award winner. Each club winner becomes a District
finalist. The Award is announced in May and presented at
the District II Conference or Seminar in October of every
year.
How to Apply
Application forms are
mailed to local school guidance counselors in the late
fall. You may also contact your local Zonta Club. | 
