LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating John C. Harter upon the occasion
of his induction into the 2013 Athletic Hall of Fame by the SS Seward
Institute

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those indi-
viduals whose exceptional athletic prowess leaves an enduring legacy in
their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late John C. Harter upon the occasion of his induction into the 2013
Athletic Hall of Fame by the SS Seward Institute, which was celebrated
at a ceremony held at its Alumni and Veterans Fields during its Homecom-
ing on October 19, 2013, in Florida, New York; and
WHEREAS, An important figure in the history of the SS Seward Institute
Athletics Program, John C. Harter, Class of 1950, had a four-year career
in varsity soccer and baseball, and two years of varsity basketball; and
WHEREAS, John C. Harter, more affectionately known as Jake, was recog-
nized for his superb athletic performance; as a sophomore, he was a
forward on the 1947 Division-winning soccer team, the first soccer title
in Seward history; and
WHEREAS, Following a high-scoring sophomore year as a member of the
junior varsity basketball team, John C. Harter's two years of varsity
scored him and his team a tie with Cornwall High School for the Division
Title during his senior year; and
WHEREAS, It was in baseball John C. Harter's prowess was most evident;
his defense was rock solid at second base, which was matched by his
stellar performance on offense; a spray hitter, his batting average and
on-base-percentage were consistently among the league leaders; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation, John C. Harter took over his family's onion
farm, as well as many other household duties, and continued to excel
with the American Legion baseball team; a leading hitter, he played on
numerous championship teams, alongside some former school teammates; and
WHEREAS, John C. Harter went on to take a position with the United
States Postal Service as a Mail Carrier, and then succeeded as Postmas-
ter; his administrative experience led to his election as Mayor of the
Village of Florida, a post he held for 25 years; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his late wife, Leona, and their
six children, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Athletes such as John C. Harter provide a tremendous service
to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of
student-athletes in their athletic journeys and ensuring their success
in their future years; and
WHEREAS, John C. Harter has clearly been an inspiration to the youth
of the SS Seward Institute, as well as to the community-at-large, and
accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedi-
cation to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our students
and our schools; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate John C. Harter upon the occasion of his induction into the
2013 Athletic Hall of Fame by the SS Seward Institute; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John C. Harter.