HR0799 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0799 LRB104 21366 JDS 36280 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to commend Dr. Ken Hendriksen, Executive Director of the Educational Foundation at St. Teresa High School in Decatur, for his enduring contributions to the educational advancement of the youth of this State; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hendriksen's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in his own rigorous educational background; he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Lewis University, a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from Western Illinois University, a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in educational administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, a Specialist Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration from Southern Illinois University Carbondale; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hendriksen served with distinction in various vital educational leadership roles across the State, including as Principal of Carrollton High School, Principal of Mt. Zion High School, and Superintendent of the Mt. Zion School District; and

WHEREAS, In 2007, Dr. Hendriksen brought his wealth of experience to St. Teresa High School, assuming the role of principal and chief executive officer; during this tenure, he skillfully managed an enrollment of 240 students and spearheaded transformative building campaigns that resulted in crucial facility improvements; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, Dr. Hendriksen transitioned to the role of Executive Director of the St. Teresa Educational Foundation, where he worked to ensure the institution's future through various strategic fund-raising campaigns; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hendriksen has been a respected leader among his peers, serving on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Advisory Board for the American Association of School Administrators; he has also lent his expertise as the Chairman of Partners in Education, the Heartland Region Education for Employment Systems, and Macon-Piatt Special Education; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hendriksen's excellence was formally acknowledged when he was named an "Educationis Lumen" nominee by Lewis University; and

WHEREAS, Throughout Dr. Hendriksen's illustrious life and career, he has been supported by his loving family, including his devoted wife, Laura, his children, David, Rebecca, John, and Steven, and his many beloved grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hendriksen's commitment to service extends far beyond the schoolyard through his active involvement as a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Mt. Zion Lions Club, and the Macon County Regional Planning Commission and as a Board Member for Catholic Charities; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hendriksen will leave an enduring legacy at St. Teresa High School and the broader educational landscape of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Ken Hendriksen, Ph.D., for his 53 years of unparalleled dedication to education, congratulate him on his myriad accomplishments at St. Teresa High School, and wish him, his wife Laura, and his entire family the very best in all of their future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Ken Hendriksen as an expression of our profound respect and esteem.