HR0433 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0433 LRB098 12311 MST 46575 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize Emma L. Wilson-King Foundation recent honoree, the Honorable Milton Wharton, retired Circuit Court Judge of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit; and

WHEREAS, The Emma L. Wilson-King Foundation was established in 2009 as a civic and educational foundation dedicated to the enhancement of the neighborhoods and community of East St. Louis; the foundation is a non-profit organization and was created to improve key elements of East St. Louis such as public parks, gardens, buildings, neighborhood organizations, and educational enhancement of both young and old through schools and community center; and

WHEREAS, The Emma L Wilson-King Foundation is part of a living legacy in memory of Mrs. Emma L Wilson-King, which is formed out of her strong yet simple sense of caring and giving regardless of personal wealth; she fostered relationships with those both young and old and instilled in them a sense of compassion to help others; and

WHEREAS, Judge Milton Wharton earned his law degree from DePaul University in 1975 and was appointed an associate judge in St. Clair County Circuit Court in 1976; in 1988, he was elected a full circuit judge in the 20th Judicial Circuit; known for his fairness and courtesy, he treated victims and their families with respect and empathy as well as respecting the rights of defendants; he is the recipient of many awards including the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award, the Whitney E. Young Jr. Service Award of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice from the late Pope John Paul II; he served as a member of the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) Foundation Board of Directors and was named the SIUE Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 1998; and

WHEREAS, Honorees are those whose actions personify the best in public service and education; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the Emma L. Wilson-King Foundation honoree, Milton Wharton; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to honoree Milton Wharton.