LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Kleanthis Plakas upon the occasion
of receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the most prestigious
of Scouting honors, on April 12, 2014

WHEREAS, Kleanthis Plakas, through his diligence and rigorous efforts,
has achieved Scouting's highest and most prestigious rank, Eagle Scout;
the Eagle Court of Honor ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 12,
2014; and
WHEREAS, Kleanthis Plakas is a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop
268, Flushing, New York; and
WHEREAS, America has achieved her greatest heights of glory through
the dedication, determination and tireless efforts of the outstanding
citizens of this Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is only with the continued diligence and devotion of our
youth, tomorrow's leaders, that America will maintain her glory; and
WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America and its members are dedicated to
the development of character and leadership in the youth of this Nation;
and
WHEREAS, The highest achievement of leadership in Scouting, earned by
only five percent of all Boy Scouts, is the distinguished rank of Eagle
Scout; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding young man has been involved in Scouting for
many years, has lived up to Scouting's ideals and has attained all of
the necessary achievements, including completion of a community service
project, which was successfully planned, developed and executed; and
WHEREAS, For his Eagle project, Kleanthis Plakas centered on the
clean-up and beautification of the Lawrence Cemetery in Bayside, New
York, an historical landmark site significantly damaged by Hurricane
Sandy; this hardworking Scout coordinated and implemented the project,
recruiting his fellow scouts, family and friends to dispose storm
debris, remove graffiti from the cemetery's front gates, and repair
fencing, in addition, a garden was planted at the entrance of the ceme-
tery, and seven handmade birdhouses were placed throughout the cemetery;
and
WHEREAS, Kleanthis Plakas is also an active member of the Order of the
Arrow in the Matinecock Chapter, under the Kintecoying Lodge 4, and has
earned the membership of Brotherhood; a reverent scout, he has also
earned the Eastern Orthodox Chi Ro and Alpha-Omega religious awards; and
WHEREAS, Kleanthis Plakas' perseverance in rising through the ranks to
Eagle Scout is a strong indication of his ability to master difficult
tasks; his accomplishment will enable him to emerge as a leader, fully
equipped to meet the challenges of today's complex society; and
WHEREAS, In addition to Scouting, Kleanthis Plakas serves his communi-
ty by spearheading the annual coat drive at Saint Nicholas Greek Ortho-
dox Church, which benefits New York Cares each winter; and
WHEREAS, Kleanthis Plakas is an Honors student at Archbishop Molloy
High School in Briarwood, New York, where he is a second chair clarine-
tist in the school's band, and participates in multiple extracurricular
programs, including Anime Club, Greek Club, and Literary Magazine; this
active young man is also a 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do; and
WHEREAS, This new Eagle Scout is a credit to his family, his school,
his community, his State and his Nation, and no doubt his future will be
filled with accomplishments of equal importance; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, in
recognition of the significance of this meritorious achievement, to
congratulate and honor Kleanthis Plakas on achieving the rank of Eagle
Scout; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Kleanthis Plakas.