LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending George Echentile upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Citizen Award by
the Chenango District, Baden-Powell Council, Boy Scouts of America on
May 12, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
George Echentile upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2011 Distinguished Citizen Award by the Chenango District, Baden-Po-
well Council, Boy Scouts of America at its 26th Annual Awards Banquet to
be held at the Canasawacta Country Club on Thursday, May 12, 2011; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, George Echentile has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and
diligent leadership in his unwavering service to both his community and
profession and consequently has been designated for this most presti-
gious honor; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from high school in Leonia, New Jersey,
George Echentile went on to serve two years as a radioman-gunner in a
Naval dive-bomber squadron before relocating to Norwich, New York, in
1949; and
WHEREAS, With a degree in physical education from Springfield College,
George Echentile's first job in Norwich was as Physical Director of the
YMCA, a position he held from 1949 until 1953; at that time, he relo-
cated to Lewiston, Maine, to serve as Director of Christian Education
for the United Baptist Church, while also attending classes at the Union
Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS, In 1954, George Echentile returned to his previous position
at the YMCA in Norwich, while also holding a physical education position
at St. Paul's School one day a week; in 1957, he became the full time
physical education teacher at Gibson school and remained in that capaci-
ty for 39 years; that same year he became the Head of the City's summer
recreation program, a position which he held until 1984; and
WHEREAS, Norwich's first varsity swim team dove into the waters of the
YMCA pool in 1960, under Coach Echentile's luminous direction, in 1964,
with the opening of the new high school, the team was rewarded with a
full-length pool; he continued to coach the NHS swim team until 1987,
producing successful teams and outstanding swimmers; subsequently, a
special committee petitioned the Board of Education, and on Echentile
Recognition Day, May 16, 1987, the high school pool was officially dedi-
cated as the NHS Echentile Pool; and
WHEREAS, In addition, George Echentile coached the YMCA summer swim
team, which became the developmental program for both boys' and girls'
varsity swim teams; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after starting the varsity swim team, George Echen-
tile organized an annual state-wide Championship Swim Meet sponsored by
the Norwich Elks Club, which drew in 450 swimmers from all over the
State; and
WHEREAS, In 1970, George Echentile, who had provisional certification
in special education, chaired the swimming committee for the Special
Olympics held in Oneonta, New York; and
WHEREAS, George Echentile was active in the First Baptist Church,
teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and advising the Young
People's Group; and

WHEREAS, Among his many awards and accolades, George Echentile,
received the esteemed Honor Award from the New York State Coaches Asso-
ciation in 1970, was named Teacher of the Year that same year and again
in 1975, was named 1980 Man of the Year by the March of Dimes, and
received the Outstanding Employee Award from the City of Norwich in
1984; in addition, he was recognized at the National Camping Centennial
held at the YMCA Camp in 1985; and
WHEREAS, Proficient on the ukulele, George Echentile was the caller
when The Foggy Valley Boys played a local square dance as well as sang
with the Midstatesmen Barbershop Chorus; in addition, he was a member of
the Norwich Youth Commission, a life member of the PTA, and a founder of
the Norwich Ski Club; and
WHEREAS, A true Norwich treasure, George Echentile stayed in touch
with his swimmers and students with a newsletter three times a year;
when "his boys" return home for a visit, they were sure to stop at the
Echentile residence; the joy he experiences when seeing one of his
former swimmers or students is immense and always reciprocated; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Betty, their four
children, Sandy, Martin, Christine, and Rob, as well as their six grand-
children, and four great-grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to
be part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend George Echentile upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the 2011 Distinguished Citizen Award by the Chenango District,
Baden-Powell Council, Boy Scouts of America on May 12, 2011; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to George Echentile.