HR0223 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0223 LRB094 11744 CSA 43766 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, David L. Hollander, eighth-grade language arts and social sciences teacher at Kennedy Junior High School in Lisle was one of 10 Chicago-area teachers to win a 2005 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hollander has taught at Kennedy Junior High School for 14 of his 16 years in Naperville Unit District 203; and

WHEREAS, His students say they are not afraid to make mistakes in Mr. Hollander's class; that he expects the best out of people and makes them feel good about their ability; a Golden Apple observer said Mr. Hollander teaches with passion, energy, humor, and intelligence and his teaching methods motivate his students to become life-long learners; and

WHEREAS, It is said that he "walks the walk and talks the talk", that he is a teacher kids talk about at the dinner table and that he makes history come alive; and

WHEREAS, The Golden Apple Awards rotate annually among grades Pre-K-3, 4-8, and 9-12; the Golden Apple Foundation is dedicated to recognizing and developing excellence in teaching; the award was the idea of Golden Apple founder Martin J. "Mike" Koldyke, who felt that excellent teachers were not receiving adequate recognition for their important contribution to society; modeled after the Academy Awards, the Golden Apple Awards are broadcast each spring on Chicago public television station WTTW/11; and

WHEREAS, Every year since 1986, the Golden Apple Foundation has chosen 10 outstanding teachers to receive this prestigious award; these teachers become lifetime members of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators; this year, a total of 747 teachers from Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties were nominated for the award; this is the 20th anniversary presentation of the awards; thirty-two finalists were named in January; and

WHEREAS, Each of the 10 Golden Apple Award winners receive a tuition-free fall-term sabbatical at Northwestern University, a personal computer from Apple, $2,500, and induction into the Golden Apple Academy, which now numbers 190 expert teachers who work together to ensure that all children have the excellent teachers they deserve; and

WHEREAS, The Awards selection committee is comprised of more than 70 Chicago-area educators; two committee members observed each of the 32 finalists in their classroom and interviewed their principal and selected colleagues, parents, and students; and

WHEREAS, The winners will be honored at an award ceremony on May 7, 2005 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, which subsequently will be aired as a one-hour prime-time special on WTTW/Channel 11; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize and congratulate David L. Hollander on winning a 2005 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching, applaud his rapport with and commitment to his students and his love of teaching, and wish him many more years in the field of education; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to David L. Hollander as an expression of our utmost admiration and esteem.