HR0305 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0305 LRB094 11959 CSA 45019 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Marist High School, a Catholic college preparatory school in Chicago, is honoring four of its English teachers at "A Salute to the Bards" at Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, April 23, 2005; the honorees are Mike Leahy, Larry Malito, Bob Meyers, and Larry Ormond; and

WHEREAS, The ceremony will recognize the four English teachers for their many contributions to the school and exceptional instruction of their students; and

WHEREAS, On September 9, 1963, the doors of Marist High School opened with 320 young men enrolled as the charter class; in the Fall of 2002, the high school entered a new beginning in its history as it became a coeducational school; the full transition to coed will be completed in the 2005-2006 academic year; and

WHEREAS, Mike Leahy joined Marist in 1968; in addition to his course work, he has written several comedic Christmas plays that featured the school's faculty; he also chaperoned students on more than 20 school-sponsored trips to Quetico Park in Ontario, Canada, where students and faculty canoe, hike, and camp in a wilderness retreat; for over 25 years, Mr. Leahy challenged the minds of young men in his legendary creative writing class; he currently serves as the school's Scholastic Team moderator; he earned his bachelor's degree from Loyola University and master's degree from the University of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Larry Malito came to Marist in 1965; in addition to his course work, he was English Department chairman for more than 20 years; his passion for English literature was matched only by his passion to teach and shape the minds of young men; the students will be forever grateful for his kindness and humor, especially studying Shakespeare; he earned his bachelor's degree from Loyola University and master's degree from Chicago State University; and

WHEREAS, Bob Meyers joined Marist in 1966 and was English Department chairman prior to Larry Malito; in addition to his course work, he has directed several school plays and musicals during his Marist career; he earned his bachelor's degree from Saint Mary's University and master's degree from Chicago State University, Loyola University, and IIT; and

WHEREAS, Larry Ormond came to Marist in 1966 and was the school's first speech team moderator; in addition to his course work, he has also been a referee for intramural sports for 25 years and an actor in Mike Leahy's Christmas plays; he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from DePaul University; and

WHEREAS, All four men have been outstanding instructors and role models to the thousands of young men and women they have taught; combined, they have 155 years of service, which is a reflection of their hard work, dedication, and love for Marist; all four men, as the school song goes, have been "loyal and true" Marist men; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize and commend Mike Leahy, Larry Malito, Bob Meyers, and Larry Ormond for their love of teaching; through their dedication and commitment, they have shown themselves to be outstanding educators and role models; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Mike Leahy, Larry Malito, Bob Meyers, and Larry Ormond as an expression of our esteem.