New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. last night honored eight individuals – including the former owner of a popular World Trade Center shoe repair shop – at his Greek Heritage Celebration at City Hall.

“ New York City is home to the largest Greek population anywhere outside of Greece,” Thompson said in his opening remarks. “And every year, Greek Americans play increasingly prominent roles in the life of our city. In business, growing numbers of Greek Americans serve as leaders, playing key roles in New York’s economic life.

“Teachers, entrepreneurs, artists, doctors – Greek Americans are leaders in a wide range of professions. From Astoria to smaller Greek American communities in the five boroughs, Greek Americans are keeping cultural traditions alive, teaching children about the history, language, and customs of Greece.”

Thompson described the honorees at his third annual Greek Heritage Celebration as “a distinguished group of Greek Americans who are all achievers in their own fields. They have provided outstanding leadership in the past and the present, and they are all an important part of our future.”

Thompson presented a Special Recognition Award to Minas Polychronakis, who had owned a shoe shine and repair shop in the World Trade Center concourse since 1977 – until the Sept. 11 th attacks devastated his business.

“Over the years, he attracted many loyal customers, and as happens so often in our city, over time, many of his customers became his friends,” Thompson said. “I know, because when I worked in the World Trade Center, I was one of those loyal customers.”

Since that day, Polychronakis struggled to reestablish his business and recently opened a new store on Wall Street.

“The courage and determination shown by Minas Polychronakis represent the finest aspects of the unstoppable spirit of New Yorkers,” Thompson said. “He has been an inspiration to me, and to all those who know him.”

Thompson honored Peter Papanicolaou, principal of J.F. Contracting, a Brooklyn-based construction and engineering firm and President of the Cyprus Federation of America.

“He works tirelessly to serve the Cypriot-American community in America and to defend the human rights and civil liberties of the people of Cyprus,” Thompson said. “Mr. Papanicolaou has provided outstanding leadership on behalf of the people of Cyprus, and has contributed greatly to the cultural and civic life of our city.”

Meteorologist John Bolaris of WCBS-TV received the next honor. Bolaris, who previously broadcast for WCBS Newsradio 880, has won four Emmy Awards and is a New York native.

“Over the course of more than 20 years in broadcasting, John Bolaris has excelled in his field, served as an important role model, and helped countless people every day,” Thompson said.

The next honoree was Peter Georgiopoulos, the Founder, Chairman, CEO and President of General Maritime Corporation, the second largest midsized tanker company in the world.

“Mr. Georgiopoulos has excelled in a challenging industry, and provides inspiration to those around him as living proof of the power of the American Dream,” Thompson said.

Chocolate-maker George Kaye was the next honoree. Kaye learned how to make chocolate from his father and opened the Port Richmond Square Candy Kitchen as a young man. The family business grew to become the internationally successful Superior Confections. Kaye currently serves as President of Supreme Chocolatier and presides over the operations of the original company and two newly acquired ventures.

“George Kaye has risen to great heights in a business that makes people smile,” Thompson said. “He has given generously of his time and support to community endeavors.”

Effie Lekas, assistant director of the Queens College Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Culture Studies, received the next award.

“The largest program of its kind in the country, the center provides a wide range of services, from classes and workshops to research initiatives,” Thompson said. “Ms. Lekas has helped develop outstanding educational resources and worked tirelessly to foster a greater understanding of Greek history and culture.”

The next award honored businessman and philanthropist James Stefatos, owner of Vertical Design Construction. Mr. Stefatos is a strong supporter of a wide range of civic and cultural organizations, and a member of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, an initiative that supports programs under the National Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

“Mr. Stefatos has shown great commitment to supporting community activities,” Thompson said.

Businesswoman and philanthropist Anastasia Venetoklis received the next award. Venetoklis, who runs the El Greco diner with her sons in Sheepshead Bay, serves meals to the homeless every Thanksgiving. She volunteers at the Red Cross and has served on the board of the Hellenic Cultural Center for thirty years.

“Ms. Venetoklis has made great contributions to her community and served as a great inspiration to others,” Thompson said.

The Pancyprian Dance Group performed at the celebration. The Very Reverend Nectarios Coptros of St. Demetrios Cathedral in Jamaica offered the Invocation and Benediction, and Singer Carrie Manolakos sang the Star Spangled Banner and the Greek National Anthem.