SR1209 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1209 LRB103 42458 MST 75688 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John Polka of River Forest, who passed away on January 27, 2024 at the age of 81; and

WHEREAS, John Polka was born to George and Susan (Dillon) Polka in Chicago on July 23, 1942; and

WHEREAS, John Polka attended Brother Rice High School and then attended St. Mary's University and Chicago State University, where he earned his master's degree; and

WHEREAS, John Polka spent his career of over fifty years teaching biology at Fenwick High School and was the chair of the science department, where he developed the ecology of the rainforest and marine biology programs, as well as organized student science trips abroad; and

WHEREAS, John Polka was recognized by the National Association of Biology Teachers for his efforts; and

WHEREAS, John Polka also created Fenwick's cross-country team in 1966 and led six teams to Chicago Catholic League (CCL) titles over his 43 years of coaching; and

WHEREAS, John Polka was inducted into the CCL Coaches Hall of Fame and the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame; he served as an Illinois High School Association rules interpreter and official; and

WHEREAS, John Polka served as a consultant to the AP Biology College Board and volunteered as a tour guide at the Shedd Aquarium after retiring from Fenwick; and

WHEREAS, John Polka was extremely involved in faculty leadership; he strongly supported making Fenwick co-educational and was in a group of department chairs in favor of the switch; and

WHEREAS, John Polka will be remembered as patient, caring, and passionate about mentoring students; he instilled a passion for the sciences in the more than five thousand students that he taught; and

WHEREAS, John Polka was recognized by alumni and teachers as one of "Fenwick's Finest", a teacher that students remembered decades after graduating; and

WHEREAS, John Polka is survived by his niece, Nancy Polka-Schneiter, and nephew, Richard (Sylwia) Polka; many extended family and friends; and the numerous Fenwick alumni and staff he inspired through his teaching, coaching, and strong faculty leadership; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John Polka and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John Polka as an expression of our deepest sympathy.