HR1508 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1508 LRB096 24385 GRL 44024 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the students, faculty, and administration of Walter Payton College Preparatory High School in Chicago for winning the top award in the Intel Schools of Distinction contest; and

WHEREAS, The Intel Schools of Distinction contest was designed to prepare tomorrow's innovators in the areas of innovative math and science programs; and

WHEREAS, Walter Payton College Prep is a Chicago high school with a student body representing youth from more than 100 elementary schools around the city; the school serves a diverse student body and focuses on mathematics, science, and world languages; and

WHEREAS, As a result of Walter Payton College Prep's strict standards and world-class curriculum, more than 99% of Payton students meet or exceed State math standards and 98% of its students graduate and excel in academic competitions; the school also has an excellent record for helping students qualify for AP courses and pass AP tests; and

WHEREAS, As a winner of the Intel Schools of Distinction contest, Walter Payton College Prep won an estimated $160,000 in a combination of cash grants from the Intel Foundation and an award package of curriculum materials, professional development resources, and computer hardware and software; the school also took home the Star Innovator Award, which earned it an additional $15,000 from the Intel Foundation for a total of $175,000 in cash and prizes; and

WHEREAS, Walter Payton College Prep and its students serve as a model of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the students, faculty, and administration of Walter Payton College Preparatory High School for winning the top award in the Intel Schools of Distinction contest and wish them continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Ellen Estrada, principal of Walter Payton College Prep, as a symbol of our esteem and respect.