SR0307 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0307 LRB097 13097 GRL 57603 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John K. Garrett of Peoria, who passed away on August 18, 2011; and

WHEREAS, John Garrett was born on July 22, 1939, in Ottumwa, Iowa; he was the son of Kenneth and Rosalie (Effie) Thompson Garrett; he married Margaret C. Scheid on September 3, 1961, in Eureka; and

WHEREAS, John Garrett earned his bachelor's degree from Eureka College in 1961, where he was a member of the Lambda Alpha Chi fraternity, student body president, and recipient of the Alumni Award of Merit in 1980; he subsequently earned his master's degree from Bradley University in 1965 and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from Eureka College in 1999; and

WHEREAS, John Garrett spent his career with the Peoria public school system, starting as a teacher at Woodrow Wilson School in 1962; he then ascended the ranks, becoming principal at Northmoor School, head of various administrative positions, including Director of Title I programs, and principal at Washington Grade School for 20 years; in 1994, he became the district's assistant superintendent of schools, where he remained until becoming superintendent in 1998; following his retirement in 2002, he devoted his time to his family and friends and particularly enjoyed his summers at Squaw Lake in Minocqua, Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, As superintendent, John Garrett brought the International Baccalaureate Program to the district, implemented in-school health centers, expanded the JROTC program to all four high schools, established a fine arts preparatory school, implemented the CISCO Academy at Woodruff High School, established smaller class sizes within the district, and introduced the Edison School partnerships; and

WHEREAS, John Garrett was a board member of the Eureka College Trustees; he was a member and past president of the Eureka College Alumni Association; he was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Peoria, the Glen Oak Christian Church, and the Bradley Braves Club; he also served on the board of directors of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale, the Illinois Workforce Development Board, the board of the Hult Health Education Center, and the board of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, John Garrett was acknowledged for his work in education through nominations for the Donald M. Phares Award, the Illinois State Board of Education Break the Mold Award, and the Ray A. Neumann Tri-County Citizen of the Year Award; and

WHEREAS, John Garrett enjoyed fishing, traveling, eating out, and entertaining family and friends; and

WHEREAS, John Garrett was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; his parents; and his daughter, Amy Jo; and

WHEREAS, John Garrett is survived by his daughter, Angela K. Brock, and her husband, John; his granddaughter, Ellery Rose Brock; his grandson, Garrett Price Brock; and his companion, Mary Brown; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of John K. Garrett; and be it further

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