HR1161 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1161 LRB097 21883 KXB 70600 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased that the Dennis J. Smith Legacy Foundation will posthumously award its 2012 Caring for the Community Award to Cory Blanchette; and

WHEREAS, The Foundation created the Caring for the Community Award to recognize people who serve the greater Kankakee County area with dignity and selflessness, and it is posthumously conferring that award on Cory Blanchette to applaud his service to his students, student-athletes, and the entire Manteno community; and

WHEREAS, Cory Blanchette grew up in rural Manteno and graduated from Manteno High School in 1992; he is survived by his wife, Alisa, and his children, Luke, Addison, Brooke, and Kendall; he was the son of Linda Blanchette and the late Ray Blanchette; his siblings are Craig and Carrie; and

WHEREAS, He worked as a Union Pipefitter after graduation; in 2006, he started coaching football and wrestling at Manteno and joined the faculty as a special education teacher in 2010; his love of all things Manteno High School was matched only by his devotion to the Chicago Cubs; and

WHEREAS, At Manteno High School, he was known for his work ethic, ability to connect with students, and his pursuit of excellence; he was a dedicated teacher and inspired his students and colleagues at the school; he worked hard with his student-athletes to make sure they succeeded in the classroom as well as on the playing field; and

WHEREAS, He and his wrestling squad could be found on weekends raking leaves or doing chores for elderly residents; when deadly tornadoes ripped through Joplin, Missouri last spring, his team collected supplies and loaded them onto relief trucks heading south; he was a loved and respected part of the community and is truly missed; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the late Cory Blanchette and extend our sympathies to his family and friends; that we honor him for his service to the community of Manteno; and we thank the Dennis J. Smith Legacy Foundation for posthumously awarding him the 2012 Caring for the Community Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Cory Blanchette as a symbol of our respect.