LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Frank Skala upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Frank Skala
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal,
the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State
Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Frank Skala was born on July 14th, 1937, to Julia (Sefranka)
Skala and Franz Skala; a lifelong resident of Queens, he lived for more
than seven decades in the home his parents purchased in 1940 on 219th
Street in Bayside; and
WHEREAS, Upon his graduation from PS 41, Bayside High School, Frank
Skala attended Queens College as both an undergraduate and graduate
student where he received his degrees in History and Education; and
WHEREAS, Frank Skala spent his illustrious 33 year career as a junior
high school American History and Geography Teacher at JHS 218, Campbell
Junior High School in Flushing and later IS 25, Adrien Block Junior High
School, before retiring in 1992; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Frank Skala taught thousands of
students, conducted dozens of field trips to United States landmarks,
coached the track team, and served as a union delegate and chapter lead-
er; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his professional career, Frank Skala's avoca-
tion has been as a community activist; he has been a tireless and life-
time advocate for preserving and improving the quality of life for resi-
dents of Bayside; and
WHEREAS, In 1974, Frank Skala founded the East Bayside Homeowners
Association Inc. to protect the residential nature of the neighborhood;
he also launched the New Bayside High Alumni Association in 1991, rais-
ing money and awarding scholarships for academically deserving students;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he attended meetings of Queens Community Board
No. 11 for three decades, before he was appointed as a member in 2003,
where he served for twelve years, stepping down in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Active within his community, Frank Skala has served as a
licensed lay reader in his boyhood church, All Saints Episcopal Church,
for the past two decades; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Frank Skala has displayed throughout
his life; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his two loving children, Bonnie
and Edward, and his two beautiful grandchildren, Brayden and Alexa, all
of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Individuals such as Frank Skala devoted to improving the
quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and
self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Frank Skala upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Frank Skala.