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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3Representatives wish to congratulate journalist, columnist,
4and historian Dave Clarke on being named the 2024 Outstanding
5Citizen by the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club in
6recognition of his exceptional contributions to the City of
7Kewanee; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Dave Clarke's illustrious career has left an
9indelible mark on the fabric of Kewanee, enriching the lives
10of its residents through his insightful reporting, engaging
11columns, and passionate dedication to preserving local
12history; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Dave Clarke's commitment to community service
14extends far beyond the realm of journalism, encompassing his
15leadership roles in various organizations, including the Frank
16H. Craig Wethersfield Alumni Association, the Saxon Cemetery
17Association, and the Wethersfield FFA Alumni organization,
18reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the social and
19cultural fabric of Kewanee; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Dave Clarke's accolades and honors, including
21being named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Kewanee Rotary Club,
22earning an Honorary State FFA Degree from the Illinois FFA,

 

 

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1and being inducted into the Wethersfield Academic Hall of
2Fame, underscore his exceptional achievements and the high
3esteem in which he is held by his peers and the wider
4community; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Dave Clarke's dedication to mentoring youth, his
6involvement with organizations such as the Miss Henry County
7Fair Pageant and the Kewanee Black Knights Junior Drum and
8Bugle Corps, and his support for educational initiatives,
9including the Step Ladder Tutoring Program and the Kewanee
10FFA, exemplify his unwavering commitment to nurturing future
11generations and fostering a sense of community pride and
12engagement; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Dave Clarke's contributions to radio broadcasting
14and print journalism and his tenure as editor of Galva News and
15Star Courier have cemented his reputation as a consummate
16professional and a cherished figure within the Kewanee media
17landscape; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Dave Clarke's deep ties to Kewanee, stemming from
19his upbringing on a farm south of the city and his continued
20dedication to its betterment, have endeared him to generations
21of residents and earned him the respect and admiration of all
22who have had the privilege of knowing him; and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, Dave Clarke's unwavering commitment to preserving
2Kewanee's heritage, his willingness to share his wealth of
3knowledge, and his personification as a beacon of inspiration
4and leadership for the community embodies the spirit of the
5Outstanding Citizen Award, making him a most deserving
6recipient of this prestigious honor; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Dave Clarke will be honored as the 2024
8Outstanding Citizen at the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce's
9Outstanding Citizen Award Banquet on May 14, 2024; therefore,
10be it
 
11    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
12HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
13we congratulate Dave Clarke on being named the 2024
14Outstanding Citizen by the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce
15Ambassador Club, and we recognize his exceptional
16contributions to Kewanee's cultural heritage, his journalistic
17excellence, and his unwavering commitment to community
18service; and be it further
 
19    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
20presented to Dave Clarke as a symbol of our esteem and respect.