[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING ATHENA GEORGAKAKOS ONORATO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2002

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Athena Georgakakos Onorato 
for her lifetime of distinguished service to the business world as well 
as the neighborhoods of Astoria and Jackson Heights in New York City. 
Ms. Onorato will be recognized on Saturday, April 13th by the Powhatan 
and Pocahontas Democratic Club for her long commitment to the 
organization and her community.
  Born to Antonios and Maria Georgakakos in New York City and raised in 
Astoria, Queens, Ms. Onorato learned to play the piano at the early age 
of five, thanks to her piano teacher-mother. Ms. Onorato studied music 
at the New York College of Music where she received her piano diploma 
at age 20. Ms. Onorato also earned a B.A. in Economics from New York 
University. Upon graduation, she was employed as an economist at the 
American Petroleum Institute and became the first woman hired at 
Texaco, Inc. as an economist.
  In 1987, Ms. Onorato joined Apple Bank for Savings and became 
Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager when a new branch opened in 
Astoria in 1989.
  In addition to her distinguished business career, Ms. Onorato has 
been tremendously active in her community, serving as President of the 
Hellenic University Club of New York, as well as the Broadway-Astoria 
Merchants and Professionals Association. She has served as a Board 
Member both of the Queens College Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek 
Studies and the Greek American Homeowners Association. She has also 
served as Second Vice President of the United Community Civic 
Association.
  Ms. Onorato was honored by the Broadway-Astoria Merchants Association 
in 1992 as ``Woman of the Year'' and in 1995 she was the recipient of 
the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in recognition of her ethnic and 
professional contributions, which was awarded by National Ethnic 
Coalition of Organizations (NECO).
  In 1993 the former Athena Georgakakos married State Senator George 
Onorato, and they reside in Jackson Heights.
  Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to join the many others in 
her community in recognizing Athena Georgakakos Onorato for her 
lifetime of community involvement as prominent businesswoman and civic 
leader.

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