HR0872 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0872 LRB095 15159 GRL 41135 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Gwen Lee on the occasion of her retirement as Thornridge High School's Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Professional Development, Director of Special Education, and District Coordinator for Small Learning Communities; and

WHEREAS, Gwen Lee earned her doctorate from Loyola University in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Gwen Lee began her education career as a high school social studies teacher at Thornridge High School; she went on to serve as a Dean of Students for 4 years, then as an Assistant Principal at Thornridge for 9 years; in 1992, Gwen Lee became Principal of Hillcrest High School, where she served diligently until 1994, when she accepted a position as Principal of Thornridge High School; she served as principal of Thornridge until 1999, when she was promoted to the position of Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Professional Development, where she remained until her retirement; and

WHEREAS, Gwen Lee has served in various other educational institutions; she serves as an adjunct faculty member at Governors State University and National Louis University; she has also served as an Educational Consultant and Evaluator for the Bill & Melinda Gates Challenge Grants for Leadership and as a National Consultant for The National Staff Development Council; and

WHEREAS, Gwen Lee has been the recipient of many awards in recognition of her accomplishments; she was named Principal of the Year for the State of Illinois in 1998 and Administrator of the Year in 2003; she has also been the recipient of the Dare to Be Great Women in Leadership Award and the Outstanding Secondary Educator in America honors; and

WHEREAS, Gwen Lee has been an active participant in The Links, Incorporated for over 30 years; she is a charter member of the organization's South Suburban Chicago Chapter and has served in many prestigious national posts within the organization, including National Member-at-Large, National Nominating Committee Chairperson, National Trends and Services Director, National Recording Secretary, and National Vice-President; and

WHEREAS, Gwen Lee's dedication to her profession and her willingness to serve her community make her a model for the people 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 Gwen Lee 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 Gwen Lee as a symbol of our esteem and respect.