LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mr. and Mrs. Konstantinos Hatzistefani-
dis upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Philip-
pion Award by the Pan-Macedonian Studies Center on May 14, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who foster a
spirit of community and service and, simultaneously, work diligently to
preserve their rich cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mr.
and Mrs. Konstantinos Hatzistefanidis upon the occasion of their desig-
nation as recipients of the Philippion Award by the Pan-Macedonian
Studies Center, Inc. to be celebrated at its Testimonial Dinner on
Saturday, May 14, 2011, at Terrace on the Park, Flushing, New York; and
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Konstantinos Hatzistefanidis are being presented
with this auspicious award for their outstanding efforts and contrib-
utions to the Hellenic American Community; and
WHEREAS, Konstantinos Hatzistefanidis BBA, CPA was born in Thessalo-
niki, Greece; he lived there upon his graduation from high school and
later served in the Armed Forces of Greece; when he finished his mili-
tary duty he came to the United States in March 1973 to join his father;
and
WHEREAS, Konstantinos did not know how to speak English at the time;
he attended school to learn the language and also had a full time job;
after completing the course he received his certificate and then
enrolled in Baruch College; and
WHEREAS, Joanna Papakyriazis was born in Egypt; she immigrated to
Athens, Greece, when she was three years old and also finished high
school in Athens; at that time, her sister who was living in the United
States, sponsored her and she immigrated to America; and
WHEREAS, Joanna attended LaGuardia Community College to learn the
English language; after that, she too enrolled in Baruch College; and
WHEREAS, Konstantinos and Joanna met when they were students at Baruch
College; they got engaged in their senior year and five months after
graduation, they were married; and
WHEREAS, Since then Konstantinos has earned his CPA license where he
worked for the State of New York for six years; for the past 28 years,
he has been a sole practitioner where he provides tax services to small
businesses and individuals; and
WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their two sons, Stephen and
Larry, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of their lives and
rejoice in their achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend individ-
uals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and commitment
toward constantly pursuant higher goals for themselves, and acting as
role models of leadership to be emulated by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mr. and Mrs. Konstantinos Hatzistefanidis upon the occasion of
their designation as recipients of the Philippion Award by the Pan-Mace-
donian Studies Center; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mr. and Mrs. Konstantinos Hatzistefanidis.