HR0992 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0992 LRB097 21251 KXB 68897 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Reverend John P. Smyth on the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood; and

WHEREAS, Father John P. Smyth, President of Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on April 28, 2012; Father Smyth was the Executive Director of Maryville Academy, the "City of Youth" in Des Plaines for 40 years; and

WHEREAS, Father Smyth has significantly impacted the lives of thousands of girls and boys in the greater Chicagoland area for more than 4 decades; recognized nationally as well as locally for innovative and creative strategies in caring for youth at risk, his "family model" for residential living became the template for orphanages and child-care institutions world-wide; and

WHEREAS, Father Smyth was a pioneer in fund-raising and development efforts; his annual production of the "Chuck Wagon" weekends on Maryville's grounds united union leaders, major league athletes, politicians, and thousands of regular folks in the common cause of helping needy kids; and

WHEREAS, His tireless energy was demonstrated early in his commitment to athletics; he was a 3-sport high school star at DePaul Academy and was a distinguished scholar-athlete at the University of Notre Dame; evaluated at a skill level similar to Wilt Chamberlain, he was offered a playing position for the National Basketball Association upon graduating from Notre Dame in 1957; and

WHEREAS, He not only distinguished himself on the athletic fields at the University of Notre Dame, but also holds the highest Catholic service award in the United States from Notre Dame, the Laetare Medal; and

WHEREAS, Choosing instead to enter the Archdiocese of Chicago Seminary at Mundelein, Father Smyth was ordained on April 28, 1962; his only priestly assignment, before the presidency at Notre Dame College Prep, was at Maryville Academy; his ministry was so critical to the Church, and to the State of Illinois, that none of the 4 Cardinals he served under would allow him to transfer; and

WHEREAS, The Executive Board at Notre Dame College Prep offered the presidency to Father Smyth early in 2007; on April 1, 2012, Father Smyth completed the fifth year of his term; under his direction, enrollment has increased, there have been enhancements made on the physical plant, and new enthusiasm has been generated; currently, 805 young men make up the student body; major renovations in a number of areas have preceded the ground-breaking for a new educational building, now in the planning stages; and

WHEREAS, Notre Dame College Prep is hosting an anniversary Mass at school on Friday, April 27, 2012; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Reverend John P. Smyth on the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood and wish him continued good health and happiness for years to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend John P. Smyth as a symbol of our respect and esteem.