Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0199

HR0199 LRB104 12778 ECR 24046 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Dyett High School boys basketball team, the Eagles, on winning the 2024-2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 2A State Championship, a historic and inspiring achievement for the school and the Bronzeville community; and

WHEREAS, The Eagles secured its first state championship in school history with a 52-41 victory over Althoff Catholic High School of Belleville at the State Farm Center in Champaign on March 15, 2025; and

WHEREAS, The Eagles' inaugural win is especially meaningful given Dyett High School's remarkable journey, having once faced closure in 2015 before community advocacy and determination kept its doors open; a decade later, the high school has risen to the pinnacle of athletic success, symbolizing the resilience, strength, and unity of its students, faculty, alumni, and community supporters; and

WHEREAS, The Eagles' players have demonstrated skill, discipline, and unity throughout the season, overcoming challenges and competing at the highest level to earn their place as champions; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Eagles, whose hard work and teamwork brought this championship to fruition, include Aramis Brown Jr., Jahmir Brown, Immanuel Carter, Rickey Coleman, Cornell Dunbar, Johntae Duncan, Mikai Harris, Jacob Johnson, Christian Lowe, Jayden McKinnon, Devon Shelton, Ahmari Taylor, Zaire Tobar, and Matthew Wilson; and

WHEREAS, The Eagles are led by Head Coach Jamaal Gill, whose leadership and vision guided the team to victory, along with Assistant Coaches Kimani Harris, Pierre Adams, and Nathan Townsen Jr., whose dedication and mentorship were vital to the team's success; and

WHEREAS, The Eagles' historic championship win has brought pride and joy to the Bronzeville community and stands as a beacon of what is possible through hard work, perseverance, and community support; and

WHEREAS, The Eagles' success further represents the power of public education and investment in youth development with athletics serving as a pathway to opportunity and empowerment; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Dyett High School boys basketball team, the Eagles, on winning the 2024-2025 IHSA Class 2A State Championship, and we honor its members for their perseverance and excellence and the inspiration they provide to all Illinoisans; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the principal and administration of Dyett High School and to the players, coaches, and staff of the Dyett High School boys basketball team as a symbol of our respect, admiration, and esteem.