HR0541 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0541 LRB099 12566 GRL 36053 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Dr. Kelly Stewart on the occasion of her retirement as Superintendent of Benton Consolidated High School; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kelly Stewart grew up in Benton and graduated from Benton Consolidated High School; she subsequently attended Rend Lake College and completed her bachelor's degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she later earned her master's degree in curriculum and instruction and her doctorate in educational administration; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kelly Stewart began her career at Vienna Junior High as a math teacher, where she also coached girls basketball and softball, leading both teams to awards at the State level; she eventually moved to administration as Assistant Principal of Harrisburg High School and served as one of the first female athletic directors in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, After serving as Principal at Carterville, Dr. Kelly Stewart became Superintendent of Benton Consolidated High School, where she has been an innovative leader and has brought new technology, programs, and advanced curriculums to students in times of financial and budget hardships; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kelly Stewart is well known and respected in the community, serving on the Benton/West City Economic Development Board; she has also worked with the Franklin County Board to bring millions of dollars to Benton Consolidated High School; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kelly Stewart was appointed to the State Parent Leadership Council by 2 Illinois Governors; she also completed the prestigious Illinois School for Advanced Leadership in 2012 and was named the 2014 Superintendent of the Year for the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, After more than 20 years in school administration serving in a variety of roles in the Southern Illinois educational system, including as a teacher, principal, coach, and athletic director, Dr. Kelly Stewart continues to provide mentoring and leadership to new superintendents and educators across the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Dr. Kelly Stewart on the occasion of her retirement as Superintendent of Benton Consolidated High School and wish her the best in all of her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Kelly Stewart as an expression of our esteem and respect.