Assembly Resolution No. 14

BY: M. of A. Santabarbara

HONORING William G. Manikas upon a lifetime of
exemplary achievement and service

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve
the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration
and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, William G. Manikas has given not only of his time and
energies but also of his competence, intelligence, and leadership, and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor William G.
Manikas upon a lifetime of exemplary achievement and service; and

WHEREAS, William G. Manikas has been called upon to contribute his
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; and

WHEREAS, Known for his athletic achievement starting at a young age,
William G. Manikas was a member and Captain of the Mont Pleasant High
School Boys' Basketball Team; he went on to be recruited to Syracuse
University's Men's Basketball Team where he also held the coveted
position of Captain; and

WHEREAS, William G. Manikas was recruited by the Syracuse Nationals
of the NBA in 1953, but chose to valiantly serve in the U.S. Army during
the Korean Conflict; he went on to become the esteemed Captain of the
U.S. Men's Basketball Team stationed in Japan from 1953-1955; and

WHEREAS, A testament to his rare athletic achievement, performance,
and good character, William G. Manikas was inducted into the Schenectady
Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007, and the New York State Basketball Hall of
Fame in 2017; and

WHEREAS, In his professional life, William G. Manikas dedicated an
impressive 38 years to the field of education, serving as a teacher,
principal, and Superintendent of Schools; he also played a pivotal role
in leading the merger of the Draper district with Mohonasen; and

WHEREAS, It is without doubt that William G. Manikas has inspired,
and continues to inspire, countless students, athletes, colleagues, and
community members as a result of his lifelong commitment to education,
athleticism, and selfless military service; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, William G. Manikas has stood
constant in dignity and good grace; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which William G. Manikas has
displayed throughout his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor William G. Manikas upon a lifetime of exemplary achievement and
service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to William G. Manikas.