HR1027 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1027 LRB097 21350 KXB 69214 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Niles North High School Chess Team won all 7 of its matches and captured the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) 2012 State Chess Championship crown at the State tournament held February 10 and 11, 2012, in Peoria; and

WHEREAS, Junior David Paykin demonstrated exemplary skill, tenacity, and fighting spirit by winning his crucial sixth round match in a momentous come from behind victory which kept the team's hopes alive, and ultimately led to the team securing the championship title; and

WHEREAS, The Niles North High School Chess Team finished in fifth place at the United States Federation National K-12 Championship Tournament held April 12-15, 2012, in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, Senior Eric Rosen finished in second place individually at the National K-12 Championship and, along with his partner, Matthew Dahl of Edina, Minnesota, captured the National Bughouse Championship in a sanctioned side event competition; and

WHEREAS, Chess Team Coach Harry Kyriazes is recognized as one of the premier high school coaches in the United States and the State of Illinois; he has coached the team since 1999 and guided the team to State championship titles in 2006, 2010, and 2012, as well as 4 second place finished, and 2 third place finishes at State championship tournaments during his tenure as coach; and

WHEREAS, Coach Kyriazes and his fellow coaches, Heather Ingraham and Mases Hagopian, are recognized for their unique and innovative approaches in providing a nurturing training environment where the qualities of teamwork, mutual respect, camaraderie, and leadership development are held in the highest regard; and

WHEREAS, Niles Township High School District 219 has supported the chess program over the years, and in so doing has furthered its mission to improve the academic achievement of every student by offering programs so that every student may achieve his or her potential; and

WHEREAS, Niles North High School will unveil a banner on May 7, 2012 recognizing the accomplishments of the 2012 State Champion Chess Team; the banner will be on display on the west side of the Niles North building where it will be visible to all motorists traveling on Interstate 94; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Niles North High School Chess Team on winning the 2012 State championship and wish team members and coaches all the best in their future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Niles North High School Chess Team as a symbol of our respect and esteem.