Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0235

HR0235 LRB104 13038 MST 24853 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Terry Moons on the occasion of her retirement after 40 years of dedicated service as a board member of Adlai E. Stevenson High School District #125; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons has played an instrumental role in shaping district policies throughout four decades of service, making impactful decisions and ensuring the continued growth and success of the district, all while maintaining a legendary ability to recall the details of board meetings from decades past; and

WHEREAS, At the core of Terry Moons' service has been an unshakable commitment to the well-being and success of children, always advocating for their best interests, ensuring access to quality education, and creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons' legacy is of educational success and opportunity; 33,736 students have graduated under her leadership, and she has most likely shaken hands with at least half of them, including her own three children, who are proud graduates of the district; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons served as the lead of the Site and Facilities Committee during a period of increased enrollment and played a pivotal role in ensuring the district's infrastructure kept pace with growth; her leadership was instrumental in overseeing four major additions, including the original 1987 addition, the East Building, the EBA 1 addition, and the Patriot Wellness Center, and numerous renovations, proving that if there is one thing she knows, it is how to keep things running and looking good; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons has provided steady leadership through multiple referenda, guiding the community through important decisions that have shaped the future of the district and ensured continued progress and development; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons has had the privilege of serving alongside many dedicated board members over the years, collaborating with them to make impactful decisions for the district; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons' leadership has been instrumental in shaping the administrative landscape of the district, with her playing a key role in the hiring of five superintendents and eight principals, ensuring strong and effective leadership for generations of students; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons helped introduce the development of professional learning communities during her tenure, fostering a culture of collaboration among educators, enhancing instructional practices, and ultimately improving student achievement; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons served as board secretary in addition to her many roles, ensuring that the board's records, decisions, and communications were meticulously maintained, a task that undoubtedly required patience, organization, and a great sense of humor; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons was a founding board member and has been the only board secretary of the Exceptional Learners' Collaborative, the special education cooperative for the district and other school districts in the community; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons' impact on generations of young people is immeasurable, whether advocating for improved student resources, championing programs that support learning and personal development, or simply being a friendly and supportive presence for students; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons' dedication to caring for students has been at the heart of her service, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that has positively impacted countless lives and likely earning her a few thousand thank you notes along the way; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons' dedication and hard work have earned the admiration and respect of colleagues, stakeholders, and community members alike, serving as an inspiration to others who strive to make a difference through public service and setting an impossibly high bar for commitment; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons' service extends beyond board meetings, as her guidance and advocacy have contributed to meaningful progress, fostering positive change, and enhancing the lives of those served by the organization, all while keeping a sense of humor and a steady hand through it all; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons' excellence in leadership is reflected in the district being only one of a small number of schools in the nation to receive the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence five times and consistently being ranked as one of the best, if not the best, of open enrollment schools in the nation by Niche.com and U.S. News & World Report; and

WHEREAS, Terry Moons' exceptional tenure and the significant contributions she has made over the past 40 years should be acknowledged and commended; now; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Terry Moons on her retirement after 40 years of dedicated service as a board member of Adlai E. Stevenson High School District #125, where she has demonstrated unwavering commitment, leadership, and integrity in advancing the mission and goals of the district; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented Terry Moons as a symbol of our respect and esteem.