HR0196 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0196 LRB097 11242 GRL 53195 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the administration, staff, and students of Aqsa School on the occasion of the school's 25th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Aqsa School was created in 1986 by Tawfik Nassar, Salem Akras, Muhammed Atieh, Shafiq Diab, Adeeb Abu Shariff, and Mahmoud Ismail; the school is the first Islamic education institution to be created in the State of Illinois and the only all-girls Islamic school in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Aqsa School is dedicated to providing a comprehensive education in an Islamic environment which is safe, orderly, and well-equipped to serve the needs of students from pre-school through high school, with grades six through twelve being exclusively for girls; the school offers an educational program steeped in the basic principles of Islam, the Islamic codes of ethics, and Islamic history, as well as a full range of coursework at all levels, focusing on a college preparatory curriculum in the upper grades; and

WHEREAS, Aqsa School takes a "whole child" approach by providing a school climate that constantly stimulates intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical growth guided by Islamic teaching and excellence in instruction; each student is encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility for herself and others; and

WHEREAS, Aqsa School is recognized and accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education and The North Central Association; the school is also a member of the National Association of Secondary Schools, the National Honor Society, The National Junior Honor Society, the Illinois Junior Academy of Science, and the Illinois Coalition of Non-Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, The dedicated staff of Aqsa School serves 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-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the administration, staff, and students of Aqsa School on the occasion of the school's 25th anniversary 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 Aqsa School as a symbol of our esteem and respect.