HR0107 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0107 LRB100 10807 MST 21039 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The week of January 29 through February 4, 2017 was designated as National Catholic Schools Week by the United States House of Representatives to recognize the contribution of Catholic education to families and communities across the nation; and

WHEREAS, There are 570 Catholic private schools in the State of Illinois, serving 160,419 students statewide, including 83 High Schools, 438 Elementary Schools, and 322 Preschools; and

WHEREAS, Catholic schools instill a broad, high-quality education for students, emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, intellectual, physical, and social values; and

WHEREAS, Catholic schools serve our communities by providing a diverse student population from all socio-economic backgrounds a strong academic and moral foundation; enrollment nationwide includes 20.3% racial minorities, 16.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 17.4% non-Catholic; and

WHEREAS, Catholic schools offer an affordable education option for parents, including those in underserved urban areas; and

WHEREAS, The Catholic high school graduation rate nationwide is 99%, with 87% of graduates attending four-year colleges; and

WHEREAS, National Catholic Schools Week was first established in 1974 and has been celebrated on the national level annually for the past 43 years; and

WHEREAS, The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2017 is "Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service"; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the week of January 29 through February 4, 2017 as Catholic Schools Week in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we support the continued dedication of Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers throughout the state toward academic excellence, and a bright future for Illinois youth.