HR0641 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0641 LRB097 14794 KXB 59820 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize SYESA (Struggling Youth Equals Successful Adults) and its founders, Michael Simelton, Tony Lawlor, and Antwan Turpeau, on being the first non-profit youth organization in the State of Illinois to be founded by 3 former foster youths; and

WHEREAS, The 3 men spent over 10 years of their lives as wards of the State of Illinois; they all had multiple different types of placements, attended multiple grammar and high schools, and dealt with various other struggles; and

WHEREAS, Michael has a Master's Degree in Engineering and a successful career with the Exelon Corporation; he is currently the chairman of SYESA's Board; and

WHEREAS, Tony earned a IDCFS scholarship while he was in care and used that scholarship to graduate from the University of Illinois; he went on to have a successful career in the jewelry business; he has earned national certification in youth development; and

WHEREAS, Antwan has a Master's Degree in Social Work with a specialization in Leadership and Development in Social Services from Loyola University of Chicago; he has 10 years of experience working with youth in psychiatric settings and in the community; and he has also managed State contracts for 5 years; and

WHEREAS, SYESA was founded on June 22, 2009; SYESA is a youth organization whose primary focus is giving youth and young adults the tools, connections, resources, and motivation they need to overcome the past obstacles in their life and to succeed in life; the organization believes that if foster children can overcome their life struggle, and are provided with proper skills, they will be able to be great leaders in their communities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Michael Simelton, Tony Lawlor, and Antwan Turpeau for their work with SYESA; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Michael Simelton, Tony Lawlor, and Antwan Turpeau as symbols of our respect and esteem.