HR0427 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0427 LRB102 19378 MST 28145 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Noel McNally on the occasion of his retirement as principal of Jackie Vaughn Occupational High School; and

WHEREAS, Noel McNally has served as principal of Jackie Vaughn Occupational High School from August 1, 2015 until his retirement in July of 2021 and has been working in the Chicago Public School system for over 20 years; he served as principal at Byrne Elementary School from 2013 to 2015 and as assistant principal at Grimes Elementary School from 2012 to 2013; he taught special education at Grimes Elementary School from 2005 to 2012; prior to that he worked at Mt. Vernon Elementary School as dean of students and a teacher; in 2001, he joined Chicago Alternative Learning Academy-North as director; and

WHEREAS, Noel McNally's early career was spent working at Taft High School, Agassiz Elementary School, Diamond Development, Summerset House, and the Association House of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Noel McNally was instrumental in pushing for legislation that allows all high school students with intellectual disabilities to gain access to junior college by offering school district support for dual-enrollment; and

WHEREAS, Noel McNally's legacy will endure long after he leaves Vaughn; he promoted a change in mindset to encompass a "we can do it" attitude; he encouraged all adults to put an emphasis on speaking and listening skills so students could engage, to the fullest extent possible, in learning, work, and life; he worked with local elected officials to develop relationships with businesses in the community to introduce them to the talents of the students at Vaughn, demonstrating how these students could be an asset; and

WHEREAS, Noel McNally's education includes a Certificate of Advanced Study in Administration from National Louis University, a Master of Science in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from DePaul University; and

WHEREAS, Noel McNally is an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and also supports the Cubs, the Blackhawks, and the Bulls; he enjoys spending time with his wife, Michele, and twins, Michael and Megan, boating near their home on the Chicago River; he enjoys listening to live music, cooking, and taking walks with the youngest family member, Cherry the Dog; he cheers on Michael at all of his football and baseball games and helps Megan compose and record songs; he plays the harmonica, prefers wearing hats and shorts, and always looks forward to going on family vacations where he can spend time in nature; he prioritizes dining out and trying all types of ethnic cuisine; he frequently goes on Dunkin' Donuts coffee runs but also sips Starbucks "Flat White"; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Noel McNally on his retirement as principal of Jackie Vaughn Occupational High School, and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Noel McNally as a symbol of our respect and esteem.