HR1221 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1221 LRB094 20301 HSS 58351 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Frank J. Manna, band director at Marist Catholic High School in Chicago, is retiring after 42 years at Marist and other part-time jobs directing band at other schools; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Manna graduated from Leo Catholic High School in 1954; he served eight years as a member of the Army National Guard; he married his wife, Betty, in 1958 and graduated from DePaul University in 1960; he and Betty are the parents of six girls and two trumpet-playing Marist bandsmen, Frank Jr. and Michael; and

WHEREAS, He first worked as Leo High School's Glee Club director and assistant band director at Brother Rice and was hired by the Marist brothers to teach at their new Southwest Side school in 1964; he eventually expanded beyond Marist, teaching concert band at Quigley South High School and at several Catholic elementary schools; he also ran the Imperial Youth Band, a now-defunct spring and summer band program for high schoolers and eighth-graders; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Manna has led the Marist band in many national parades, including the Annual Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Manna composed the Marist High School fight song, and his wife, Betty, wrote the lyrics; for 42 years, he has shaped the lives of young men, and now women, at Marist Catholic High School; his leadership and powerful voice will be missed; and

WHEREAS, As the Marist Fight Song claims, Mr. Manna has been bold and brave and has brought honor, glory, and fame to Marist Catholic High School for 42 years; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Mr. Frank J. Manna on the occasion of his retirement; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Manna as an expression of our deep respect and esteem and with best wishes for a relaxing retirement.