HR0636 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Hales Franciscan is the only historically African-American, all-male, Catholic college preparatory high school in the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Hales Franciscan was founded in 1962 with the sole purpose of ensuring that African-Americans had access to a college preparatory education in the Catholic and Franciscan traditions; and

WHEREAS, For the past 50 years, Hales Franciscan has produced African-American male leaders who have embraced academic excellence, athletic tradition, community involvement, and leadership by example; and

WHEREAS, In 2005, Hales Franciscan embarked on the largest capital improvement campaign in the school's history, which includes the renovation of all classrooms, the installation of new energy-efficient windows and lighting, and the construction of new science and math labs; and

WHEREAS, In addition to creating a better academic environment, the school also plans to create a new home for the football, track, soccer, and lacrosse programs with the installation of an 8-lane track and stadium; and

WHEREAS, Hales Franciscan is grateful to the many individuals and businesses that have supported the renovation campaign, including the Polk Brothers Foundation, Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, and several members of the community; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the administration, faculty, and students of Hales Franciscan High School and their community of supporters for the commencement of the school's ambitious capital improvement campaign; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we designate the weekend of October 8-11, 2009, as "Hales Franciscan High School Rededication Weekend" in the State of Illinois in honor of this momentous occasion; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the principal of Hales Franciscan High School as a symbol of our respect and esteem.