HR0829 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0829 LRB097 20663 KXB 66693 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois House of Representatives is pleased to congratulate the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy's students, staff, faculty, and alumni on the 25th anniversary of the Academy; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy's distinctive contributions to the State of Illinois, the nation, and the world in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), education and other fields are deserving of recognition as well; and

WHEREAS, The Academy is a State, national and global leader in diverse STEM talent development, student inquiry and research, student achievement, professional development for educators, and the design of innovative teaching and learning environments and practices; and

WHEREAS, Academy programs and services for students, teachers, and other educators are delivered at its campus in Aurora, through its field offices in Chicago, Metro East, and Rock Island, at various other sites throughout Illinois, and on-line; and

WHEREAS, In 2011-2012, the Academy is celebrating its 25th Anniversary year and a distinguished quarter of a century of inspiring, challenging, and nurturing students who are talented in mathematics and science to realize their extraordinary potential, live ethical and exemplary lives of service, and advance the human condition; and

WHEREAS, In the past 25 years, the Academy, inspired by Dr. Leon Lederman, the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1988, has graduated nearly 5,000 students, served thousands of Illinois teachers and students in its statewide outreach programs, attracted considerable private sector support, and brought positive national and global recognition to the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Recent examples of the Academy and it's recognition include: the Academy was named the nationwide winner of the Intel Star Innovator Award; its student teams received the highest ranking possible in the annual international High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling; and the Academy and several State agencies collaborated to develop and facilitate the Illinois Innovation Talent Program which fosters partnerships between industry and Illinois high schools; and

WHEREAS, The Academy will continue to develop diverse STEM talent, student and alumni researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers, physicians, technologists, and leaders in all fields who will tackle challenges such as developing sustainable energy, discovering cures and treatments for dreaded human ailments, inventing new products and services that change the way people live, learn, and work, and who will help our State and nation compete and collaborate effectively in the global arena; and

WHEREAS, The Academy also will continue to be a catalyst and laboratory for the advancement of teaching and stimulating excellence for all Illinois schools in mathematics and science; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Dr. Leon Lederman, the Academy's current and past Presidents, Dr. Glenn W. "Max" McGee and Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall, respectively, and all trustees, staff, faculty, students, alumni, parents, and partners of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy for 25 years of success, leadership, and innovation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we wish the Academy well in all its future endeavors to ignite and nurture creative, ethical scientific minds that will advance the human condition; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Glenn McGee and the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy as a symbol of our respect and esteem.