HR0395 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0395 LRB102 18917 MST 27645 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Steve Endsley on the occasion of his retirement as Executive Director of the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) in June of 2021; and

WHEREAS, Steve Endsley joined the IESA staff in 1988, and he became its Executive Director in 1996; and

WHEREAS, During Steve Endsley's tenure as Executive Director, participation and programs have consistently grown; the IESA is currently the eighth largest state athletic and activity association in the nation; and

WHEREAS, Steve Endsley raised the profile of the IESA by developing an academic recognition program for the best and brightest middle school students in Illinois; the IESA Scholar Attitude Award program was established in 1999 and has now been in place for 22 years; and

WHEREAS, Steve Endsley has represented the IESA at several National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) meetings; the IESA is the only association in the country to be named an affiliate member of the NFHS; and

WHEREAS, Steve Endsley was recently inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame; he is also a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, becoming one of very few people to be recognized at such a high level by both organizations; and

WHEREAS, Steve Endsley has made education and sportsmanship a priority during his time at the IESA; through his leadership, many programs have been developed to help educate coaches, officials, parents, and participants; and

WHEREAS, Steve Endsley has made numerous presentations to educators in Illinois and across the country highlighting the value of interscholastic sports and activities for middle school students; he has been a relentless advocate for students and their positive development through sports and activity programs; and

WHEREAS, Steve Endsley is a 1975 graduate of Limestone High School in Bartonville; he earned his Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University (ISU) in 1979 and his master's degree from ISU in 1988; and

WHEREAS, Steve Endsley is concluding an outstanding 33 year career that was dedicated to children's development and well-being; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Steve Endsley on his retirement as Executive Director of the Illinois Elementary School Association, commend him for decades of commitment to our children, and wish him health and happiness as he enters the next chapter of his life; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Steve Endsley and his family on the occasion of his retirement.