HR0699 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0699 LRB095 13608 GRL 39304 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, State Representative Monique D. Davis and the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Carolyn Griffin Palmer on the occasion of her retirement from the Chicago Public Schools after 36 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Carolyn Griffin Palmer graduated from Calumet High School; she earned her bachelor's degree from Jackson State University and her master's degree from Roosevelt University; and

WHEREAS, Carolyn Griffin Palmer began her career with the Chicago Public Schools in 1972 as a physical education teacher, working at Middle, Senn, and Corliss High Schools; she was known for her cheerleading squads, winning many city, State, and national championships; she also served as commentator for half time activities during the high school championship basketball games; and

WHEREAS, In 1986, Carolyn Griffin Palmer moved to Olive-Harvey College, where she provided and assisted students with college preparation and scholarships as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs; she also served as project director of the National Youth Sports Program, where she won 3 National Excellence Awards; and

WHEREAS, Carolyn Griffin Palmer returned to the Chicago Public Schools in 1996, serving as director of After School Programs at Simeon Career Academy High School; as director, she coordinated one of the first Saturday for credit programs for seniors; in 2000, she became assistant principal of South Shore High School; in 2002, she served as the assistant to the Area Insrtuctional Officer for Area 23; she then worked for the central office as a troubleshooter, serving as interim principal for Deneen and Washington Elementary Schools; and she served as principal of Spencer Math and Science Academy at the time of her retirement; and

WHEREAS, Carolyn Griffin Palmer is active in many civic organizations; she is a member of the Chicago Principal's Association and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; she is a member of the board of the New City Health Center; and she serves as the Education Scholarship Chairman of the Quentin B. Garth Foundation, a foundation that has raised millions of dollars for aspiring college students; and

WHEREAS, Carolyn Griffin Palmer has received many awards in honor of her accomplishments, including the Kizzy Award, an induction into the Black Women's Hall of Fame, Outstanding Educator and Role Model Awards, an Outstanding Educator Award from U.S. Congressman Danny Davis, and a Life Time Achievement Award from Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Carolyn Griffin Palmer has been married to Isaac Lavelle for 35 years; she is the proud mother of two daughters, LaCael Palmer-Pratt and Karilyn Ellena, and her son-in-law, Alex Pratt; and she is the loving grandmother of Alexander Adonis Pratt; and

WHEREAS, Carolyn Griffin Palmer's dedication to her profession and her willingness to serve her community make her a model for the citizens of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Carolyn Griffin Palmer on the occasion of her retirement and wish her continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Carolyn Griffin Palmer as a symbol of our respect and esteem.