HR0776 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0776 LRB103 40636 LAW 73337 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to commend Larry Simotes of Minooka for his many contributions to the local community; and

WHEREAS, Larry Simotes was born in Joliet on February 17, 1959; he and his four siblings, Brian, Diana, Mark, and Nick, are the children of Nicholas, a U.S. Marine private first class, and Doris Simotes; and

WHEREAS, Larry Simotes was raised in Joliet, attending St. Patrick's Grade School; he graduated from Minooka Community High School in 1977, and he remains the school's record holder for most single-season points earned per game for basketball; he continued playing basketball while attending Lewis University; and

WHEREAS, Upon graduating from Lewis University, Larry Simotes began his professional career as a teacher; he then opened Simotes Motors in Minooka in 1986; and

WHEREAS, Larry Simotes married his high school sweetheart, Lisa, and they raised their three children, Grant, Nina, and Mac, in Minooka; his commitment and dedication to their upbringing played an instrumental role in all three children playing college sports; and

WHEREAS, Larry Simotes has not only been a great son, sibling, husband, and father but has also been a prominent role model in the community, coaching the Minooka Junior High School baseball team for 18 years, winning five state championships during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, Larry Simotes has quietly given back to the community for most of his life, with both his money and his time; for instance, he annually awards athletic scholarships to Minooka Community High School students, allowing graduates to continue their athletic dreams after high school; and

WHEREAS, Larry Simotes has always supported dog shelters and admired veterans due to his father's service; as a result, he and other generous sponsors, in coordination with the Village of Minooka, created the Veterans Dog Park as a gift to the local community; and

WHEREAS, The Veterans Dog Park, which will honor veterans while providing an incredible outdoor space for families and their pets to enjoy, will open in Minooka on May 25, 2024; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Larry Simotes for his donation of land that enabled the creation of the Veterans Dog Park in Minooka, and we thank him for his many selfless contributions to the local community; and be it further

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