HR0392 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0392 LRB104 12919 LAW 24459 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize seven individuals on the occasion of Mary Lyon School's 100th anniversary whose contributions to the Chicago-based elementary school have helped shape the success of its students, staff, and mission; and

WHEREAS, Jose Quiles has made exceptional contributions to Mary Lyon School and the surrounding community, playing a pivotal role in supporting the school through various efforts for many years; notably, in 2014, he helped raise funds and garnered community support from the Chicago Mayor's Office and elected State officials to help improve Mary Lyon School for future generations through the Field for Our Future project; his advocacy and tireless work in securing community backing were crucial in bringing about significant improvements, including the school's new building in 1998 and the modular building in 2016; additionally, his service to the Local School Council (LSC) for over 30 years reflects his deep commitment to the school's growth and success; his dedication has benefited the school and impacted generations of students, as his family, including sons, daughters, and grandchildren, have all attended Mary Lyon School; his legacy continues to inspire and will be remembered for many years to come; for his outstanding service, dedication, and unwavering support, Mary Lyon School will be expressing its appreciation; and

WHEREAS, Sandy Blake and her mother, Judge Susan Christine O'Meara Getzendanner, have made remarkable contributions to Mary Lyon School, especially in the development of the school library; they have generously donated thousands of dollars over many years, significantly enriching the resources available to students, and their commitment to fostering a love of reading has profoundly impacted countless children in the school community; Sandy Blake, a dedicated teacher and librarian, has also been a pivotal force in supporting and leading the school's Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives, and her advocacy for SEL has played a critical role in creating a positive and supportive learning environment for students; beyond her work in the classroom, she has worked tirelessly to secure grants and support for the school, including the Access Books program, which brought an abundance of new books to the school library, giving students greater opportunities to explore and engage with literature and expand their horizons; she has also rallied community members to support the school, ensuring that students have access to the resources and tools they need to succeed; for their ongoing dedication and contributions that have made a lasting and transformative impact, Mary Lyon School will be expressing its esteem; and

WHEREAS, Eloise Kelly has provided exceptional service and dedication to the education of Mary Lyon School students; with over 40 years of service to the elementary school and the Chicago Public Schools, she has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children, all of whom have benefited from her expertise and passion for teaching; she served as a primary teacher at Mary Lyon School, where she shared her vast knowledge and experience with generations of students; her commitment to providing quality education and fostering a nurturing learning environment made her a beloved figure within the school community; most recently, she dedicated her professional career to supporting students through leading the school's intervention program; for her outstanding contributions, Mary Lyon School will be dedicating a first-floor hallway as the Ms. Kelly Hallway, with a plaque serving as a tribute to her long and distinguished career; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Morgenthau left a legacy of dedicated service and commitment to the Mary Lyon School community; known for his favorite phrase, "Calliente", meaning "hot" in Spanish, he brought an infectious energy and enthusiasm to everything he did while tirelessly advocating for the students and families of Mary Lyon School; he was instrumental in the growth and development of the school, playing a key role in securing the new modular building, the school addition in 1998, and the Field for Our Future project; his dedication was evident in his service as a community representative and a valued member of LSC; for his extraordinary contributions, Mary Lyon School will be dedicating the Cafeteria and Multipurpose Room in his memory, demonstrating the enduring impact his efforts have left on the school and its dear regard for his decades of commitment; and

WHEREAS, Luis Coss has been a steadfast advocate for the children of Mary Lyon School for many years, contributing in countless ways to ensure their safety, growth, and development; his commitment to the school has been unmatched, serving as a dedicated member of LSC and a parent representative; his work on behalf of students and their families has made a lasting impact, and his efforts to ensure children cross safely and are provided with a welcoming environment are truly appreciated by all; for his tireless work and dedication, Mary Lyon School will be dedicating the Causeway Entrance Area by Door 8 in his name, a special entrance that will serve as a symbol of his commitment to the school and the many ways he has helped its children and community thrive; and

WHEREAS, Michael and Denise Spano have provided many years of devoted service and commitment to Mary Lyon School and the school community; their family has been an integral part of the school for many years, with their children attending Lyon Middle School; Michael Spano served as the first chairperson of the LSC, a position he held for 10 years; his leadership was instrumental in shaping the school's direction and fostering a strong sense of community, with his contributions going far beyond his role as a parent; Denise Spano served as a teaching assistant and further gave to the school in any way she could; both have exemplified the true spirit of service, always putting students first and working tirelessly to support their success; as parents, community representatives, and dedicated members of the Lyon School family, their legacy continues to inspire; their three children, who all graduated from the school, are a testament to their enduring impact on the educational institution; for their lifelong contributions and many years of selfless service, Mary Lyon School will be dedicating the Door 2 Entranceway in their honor; and

WHEREAS, Mary Lyon School will be recognizing these seven individuals for their service to the school at its 100th anniversary celebration in May 2025; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Jose Quiles, Sandy Blake, Judge Susan Christine O'Meara Getzendanner, Eloise Kelly, Matthew Morgenthau, Michael Spano, Denise Spano, and Luis Coss for their dedication and respective contributions to Mary Lyon School, helping shape the success of its students, staff, and mission, in honor of the elementary school's 100th anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mary Lyon School as an expression of our esteem and respect.