SR0293 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0293 LRB103 32404 LAW 61850 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Niolis Collazo, who passed away on May 6, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Niolis Collazo was born to Orlando Collazo and Nitza Rivera in San Turce, Puerto Rico on December 17, 1999; as a child, she moved to Illinois with her mother and younger siblings; as a student, she excelled academically, served as a vocalist in her school and church choirs, and was regarded as a volleyball phenomenon and a strong debate team member; she graduated from Waukegan High School in 2018, and she earned her bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2022; and

WHEREAS, After earning her degree, Niolis Collazo served as a counselor and mentor for Youth Guidance's Working on Womanhood (WOW) program at Edith M. Smith Middle School within Waukegan Community Unit School District 60; she also coached the freshman boys volleyball team at Waukegan High School; during her tenure, albeit brief, she made an indelible mark on students, student athletes, and staff alike; and

WHEREAS, Niolis Collazo was an amazing daughter, sister, niece, friend, coach, counselor, and confidant who possessed a contagious smile and a kind, sweet soul; and

WHEREAS, Niolis Collazo was known for her activism, advocacy, and empathy, and she will be remembered as a bright, shining light who illuminated the world of those who knew and loved her; and

WHEREAS, Niolis Collazo is survived by her father; her mother; her stepfather, Terry Joiner; her siblings, Joseph Acosta, Mia Carani, Edier Collazo, and Yadier Collazo; her stepsiblings, Lexy, Bradlee, Imani, Zackary, and Jacob Joiner; her nephews, Jayden and Devin Parikh; and a host of family members, friends, colleagues, and students; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Niolis Collazo and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Niolis Collazo as an expression of our deepest sympathy.