Mr. Hart was nominated for this honor by Peter A. Citrolo, a retired East Greenbush Teacher and Coach. Mr. Hart graduated from Columbia in 1981. While at Columbia, he participated in Football and Wrestling. Mr. Hart opened Schodack Auto shortly after graduation, and has built a successful community-minded business. NY Business Development Corporation and Fleet Bank awarded Schodack Auto the Excellence in Small Business Award in 2002. Schodack Auto and Eric Hart have been active sponsors of the youth, community and scholastic athletics. Teams such as East Greenbush Little League, East Greenbush Pop Warner, Devil Cats, Columbia Football, Baseball, Lacrosse and Wrestling have benefitted from Mr. Hart’s coaching, volunteering and financial support. In addition, local charitable groups such as the Hospice, Rensselaer Boys and Girls Club, Capital District Food Pantry, YMCA and all East Greenbush and Schodack Fire Departments have benefited from Mr. Hart’s generosity. Above this, Mr. Hart answered the call for assistance from the victims of the Ethan Allen Tragedy which occurred on Lake George in late 2005. Together with members of his family, Mr. Hart as a first responder on the scene of the tragedy saved many senior citizens from the cold Lake George waters. Several communities bestowed Mr. Hart with many awards recognizing the outstanding selfless act. Awards include Rensselaer County Award for Valorous Action, Warren County Service to Community Award, NYS Senate Liberty Award and Rensselaer County resolution recognizing heroic effort. Eric Hart and his wife Kelly have 3 children; EJ, Jessica and Amanda.