HR0411 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0411 LRB095 12031 GRL 35703 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, State Representative Monique D. Davis and the members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Corene S. Washington, Principal of Rudyard Kipling Fine Arts School, on her retirement; and

WHEREAS, Corene S. Washington is recognized as an achiever and lifelong learner; she earned a Bachelors of Science Degree from Tuskegee University, a Master of Arts Degree in Human Services Counseling and a Master of Arts Degree in Education Administration - Chicago State and Governor's State Universities; she completed additional graduate studies in math at the Illinois Institute of Technology; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Washington has devoted 40 years to educating students in Chicago Public Schools; her duties have included classroom teacher, counselor/special education case manager, program evaluator staff developer and principal; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Washington's philosophy about the education of children has been grounded in her firm and sincere belief that all children can learn and are entitled to a superior education that will allow them to experience the best possible quality of life, and that children who are properly nurtured and challenged can and will excel; she has been a strong advocate of the importance of positive self images and high expectations for children; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Washington has worked tirelessly with staff, parents, and the community to create positive change at Kipling School; she was influential in the creation of a partnership with Trinity United Church of Christ to create a Reading Tutorial for students needing intervention and a male mentoring program for male students; under Mrs. Washington's direction, in 1995 Kipling was among the first 100 CPS schools to secure internet access and updated computer technology for every classroom; she has been successful at writing proposals to secure funds for implementing and sustaining a Fine Arts Program at Kipling; during her time at Rudyard Kipling Fine Arts School, academic achievement has improved to the extent that 72% of the students now meet or exceed state standards; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Washington has active membership in numerous organizations; she is a member of the Chicago Principal & Administrators Association, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the Illinois Principals Association, The Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, the Board of Directors-Beatrice Caffrey Youth Services, and the Tuskegee University National Alumni Association; and

WHEREAS, During her professional career, Mrs. Washington has been recognized with many awards, including Outstanding Service to Beacon Neighborhood House, Oppenheimer Foundation for Meritorious Service to Guidance and Counseling, The Ora Higgins Youth Leadership Award, The Beulah A. G. Smith Scholarship Foundation Award Connections "Black Pearl Woman of Excellence Award", The Chicago Assistant Principal Association Outstanding Leadership Award and The 21st Ward Woman of Excellence Award; she was a finalist for The CPS Outstanding Leadership Award and received the Tuskegee University Alumni Merit Award for 2006; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Washington is an active member of Park Manor Christian Church where she has served as teacher in VBS, Youth Counselor, Secretary to the general board, trustee, chair person of the general board and the Christian Education Leadership Training Committee. She currently serves as an elder, facilitator of the Young at heart Bible Class and member of two women's fellowship groups - The Friends and The Spires; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Washington is the proud mother of three sons, Michael, Eric and Booker III; she has three grandchildren, Akili, Ajani and Solomon Washington; and

WHEREAS, On June 16th, 2007 a retirement party will be held in Corene Washington's honor; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Corene S. Washington on 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 Corene S. Washington as a symbol of our esteem and respect.