HR0194 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0194 LRB099 10670 MST 31492 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Terrance J. "T.J." Shirley was a dedicated athlete with an outstanding understanding of sports, and it translated into exposing his students to all types of experiences that promote dedication, leadership, and academic prowess; and

WHEREAS, T.J. Shirley's lifetime goal is to continue to help each and every student achieve success; and

WHEREAS, T.J. Shirley has been an educator in Thornton Township High School District 205 and has made substantial contributions to the district, the State, and the country through an unyielding dedication to education that has touched the lives of generations of Thornridge Falcons; and

WHEREAS, T.J. Shirley, in his role as a varsity track coach, has become nearly legendary at Thornridge High School and in Thornton Township, as his great success over the decades is indicative of his mastery of the sport; and

WHEREAS, The faculty, staff, and community of Thornridge has submitted over 575 signatures in support of T.J. Shirley and has heard testimony from over 50 students, parents, faculty members, and community members; and

WHEREAS, Before coming to Thornridge High School, T.J. Shirley was a student athlete at Dubuque University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1981 and was an outstanding track athlete, setting many school records, 2 of which he still holds today; and

WHEREAS, T.J. Shirley was an outstanding physical education teacher and coach of multiple sports at Thornridge High School, ultimately becoming athletic director; and

WHEREAS, T.J. Shirley has had very successful programs and coached 2 varsity conference championships and 2 freshman-sophomore conference championships; he coached 62 individual varsity conference champions, 67 individual freshman-sophomore conference champions, and 36 State medalists, including 3 individual State champions, 5 indoor track school record holders, and 14 outdoor track school record holders; and

WHEREAS, T.J. Shirley has developed many student athletes who went on to college or university athletic programs, and he has mentored thousands of grateful students and athletes; and

WHEREAS, T.J. Shirley was well known for his annual athletic field event known as "Blue Smoke" to the community; and

WHEREAS, Thornton Township High School District 205's Board of Education has received a resolution from the Student Board of Education in support of renaming the track at Thornridge High School in honor of T.J. Shirley; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge Thornton Township High School District 205 to rename its track in honor of Terrance J. "T.J." Shirley; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Thornton Township High School District 205 Board of Education.