HR1043 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1043 LRB097 21312 GRL 69270 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Glenwood Academy was co-founded by Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln, in 1887; the academy has earned a reputation of excellence for 125 years by changing the lives of over 18,000 children; and

WHEREAS, Glenwood Academy integrates a rigorous academic program with a nurturing boarding model that teaches social and leadership skills in a structured environment, including on-campus cottages that house students along with houseparents who provide the necessary discipline, support, and nurturing in a family-like community; and

WHEREAS, Glenwood Academy students are willing and able to learn, but are constrained by difficult socio-economic situations; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of its history, Glenwood Academy has responded to the pressing needs of children and society at large through its many name changes, including the Illinois Training School for Boys in 1887, the Glenwood Manual Training School in 1911, and the Glenwood School for Boys in 1948; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, the Trustees of Glenwood School for Boys expanded the mission of the school to serve both at-risk boys and girls, thereby becoming known as Glenwood School for Boys and Girls; and

WHEREAS, Glenwood Academy is the only boarding school of its kind that provides a safe and nurturing environment for at-risk children throughout the Chicagoland area by offering a holistic program for children to Live, Learn, and Succeed; and

WHEREAS, Children generally come to Glenwood Academy with academic achievement scores 2 years below grade level; with the support of teachers and staff, 85% of eighth grade students in the class of 2011 scored at or above the national average percentile in reading, math, and language; and

WHEREAS, 95% of all the students that graduate from Glenwood Academy's program go on to higher education, the military, or specialized training schools; and

WHEREAS, Glenwood Academy continues to be successful in raising the academic success of at-risk boys and girls from the Chicagoland area; and

WHEREAS, Glenwood Academy is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary; on May 19, 2012, the academy will celebrate its 116th Flag Day and Graduation ceremonies; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the date of May 19, 2012 as Glenwood Academy Day in the State of Illinois and urge the citizens of this State to celebrate Glenwood's success on behalf of at-risk children and their families, its distinguished alumni, and the students it will serve in the future; and be it further

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