HR0160 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0160 LRB098 11379 GRL 42998 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the Centralia High School Orphans on the occasion of winning the 1st round of USA Today's Best Mascot Contest; and

WHEREAS, There are varying accounts of how Centralia High School was given their nickname; most notably, a Chicago sportswriter said that "they looked like a bunch of orphans but they sure could play basketball"; during the Great Depression, the team was forced to wear uniforms that were eventually reduced to rags; in the 1970s, Centralia introduced girls athletics to the school and it was only fitting to name them the Orphan Annies; and

WHEREAS, The Centralia Orphans defeated the Cobden Appleknockers to win the state round; and

WHEREAS, The Orphans are now competing in the regional contest to advance on to the finals; and

WHEREAS, School computer labs at Centralia High School have been open on nights and weekends, allowing students and community members to vote for Centralia; and

WHEREAS, The Best Mascot Contest has increased the school spirit of both Centralia High School and the members of the community; and

WHEREAS, Voting for the regional winner will continue through Thursday, March 14 at 2 P.M., at which time 6 finalists will compete for the championship through March 25; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Centralia High School Orphans on winning the Best Mascot Contest for the State of Illinois and wish them luck in the regional competition; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Reid Shipley and the Orphans as a symbol of our respect and esteem.