HR0455 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0455 LRB104 15202 ECR 28348 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Belle Valley School District 119 on the occasion of its 150th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Belle Valley School District 119 was established in Belleville to promote educational excellence and to foster the growth and development of students in the community; and

WHEREAS, The mission of Belle Valley School District 119, "We AIM High, Achieving Important Milestones", embodies its core values of academic excellence through fostering a love of learning and providing the necessary tools for students to achieve, integrity and kindness through encouraging honesty, respect, and compassion everyday, and mindful growth through supporting emotional and social development of students while building confidence and resilience; and

WHEREAS, Belle Valley School District 119's first school was built as a one-room, red brick building on Green Mount Lane in 1850, and this structure served students until a cyclone damaged its roof in 1896 and was subsequently demolished in 1906; and

WHEREAS, Belle Valley School District 119's second school, another one-room, brick schoolhouse that was heated by a potbelly stove, was built near the Belle Valley Coal Company on Mascoutah Road around 1870, and it remained in use until 1950; and

WHEREAS, Belle Valley School District 119's third school building was constructed at 1901 Mascoutah Road in 1951, undergoing several expansions to meet the needs of a growing student population in 1959, 1961, 1967, and 1969; around the same time, the school district added another campus at 100 Andora Drive in 1967; and

WHEREAS, Belle Valley School District 119 unveiled its newest campus at 2465 Amann Drive with an open house to welcome students, parents, staff, and community members on January 7, 2012, with this modern facility being built to replace the previous campuses due to mine subsidence at Belle Valley North and structural concerns at Belle Valley South; and

WHEREAS, For a century and a half, Belle Valley School District 119 has adapted to the evolving needs of its students and the world around it while remaining steadfast in its mission to educate, grow, and inspire; and

WHEREAS, The 150th anniversary of Belle Valley School District 119 presents a meaningful opportunity to honor and reflect on the many generations of students, educators, administrators, and community members who have contributed to its proud legacy of and ongoing commitment to educational excellence; and

WHEREAS, Belle Valley School District 119 will celebrate its 150th anniversary on October 4, 2025; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Belle Valley School District 119 on achieving its 150th anniversary and its enduring contributions to education and community.