Honor Ed Wilkinson Achievement

Senate Resolution No. 4057 BY: Senator GOLDEN HONORING Ed Wilkinson upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Diocese of Brooklyn on May 9, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ed Wilkinson upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Diocese of Brooklyn, to be celebrated at its Bishop DiMarzio's World Communication Day Luncheon on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, Ed Wilkinson is being recognized for five decades of steadfast and unwavering dedication to the field of Catholic journalism; and WHEREAS, Born in Greenpoint, Ed Wilkinson is a life-long resident of Brooklyn, New York, where he attended St. Alphonsus Elementary School and Cathedral Preparatory School; he went on to Cathedral College in Douglaston, and studied Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary; and WHEREAS, Ed Wilkinson has been the Editor of The Tablet, Brooklyn's diocesan newspaper, since June of 1985; joining its staff in September of 1970 as a reporter, he also wrote a weekly sports column before serving as News Editor from 1981 to 1985; and WHEREAS, In addition to his weekly column, "The Editor's Space," Ed Wilkinson can also be seen on "Currents," a daily Catholic news show where he conducts a Friday interview with the Bishop of Brooklyn; and WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Ed Wilkinson has been honored by the Monsignor Ferris Life Center, Helpers of God's Precious Infants, Catholic-Jewish Relations Committee of Northeast Queens, Boy Scouts of America, Arriba Juntos Youth Center, Catholic Teachers Association, Kings County Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Cathedral Prep Alumni Association; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Ed Wilkinson has won several awards in the Catholic Press Association's annual newspaper contest, including Best New Story, Best Headline Writing, Best Photograph, Best Editorial Writing, and Best Youth Coverage; and WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure as Editor, Ed Wilkinson's most memorable moment was a personal meeting with Pope John Paul II in October of 1995; and WHEREAS, In 2000, Ed Wilkinson served as Chief Brehon of Catholic Charities' Great Irish Fair, and in 2007, he was selected to be Grand Marshal of the Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade; he was also honored at Brooklyn Borough Hall as the 2017 Irishman of the Year; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Ed Wilkinson has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Ed Wilkinson upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Diocese of Brooklyn on May 9, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Ed Wilkinson.