HR0375 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0375 LRB102 18790 MST 27491 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Dan Groce on his remarkable teaching and coaching career; and

WHEREAS, Dan Groce has been a dedicated teacher in central Illinois for 12 years, a dean of students for two years, and a principal for 20 years; he has also coached school sports teams for 35 years; and

WHEREAS, Dan Groce graduated from Illinois State University in 1986 with an undergraduate degree in physical education; he then earned his master's degree in adapted physical education; and

WHEREAS, Hired by the Chenoa Grade School superintendent and by Principal Tom Krones, who had served in the post since Dan was in Kindergarten, Dan Groce started teaching at Chenoa Grade School as a part-time physical education teacher, and the 6th graders he taught that year included Joe Moore and Becky Drayer; and

WHEREAS, The following year, Dan Groce began teaching social studies and became a full-time educator; during this second year, he received the news that his job was being cut for budgetary reasons; however, a special board meeting was held to hire him back with tenure as a full-time PE/social studies teacher; and

WHEREAS, In 1999, Dan Groce began his career as an administrator and earned his administrative degree, which was initiated because retired principal Tom Krones had agreed to return as principal only if Dan Groce would be his co-principal; and

WHEREAS, Dan Groce was the grade school principal as well as the high school principal the last year of the Chenoa schools' existence; when Chenoa was annexed in the 2003-2004 school year, he became the principal of Chenoa Elementary School and, later, Prairie Central Primary West; and

WHEREAS, During Dan Groce's career in the Chenoa and Prairie Central school districts, he coached high school football, high school girls basketball, jr. high boys basketball, and jr. high track; and

WHEREAS, Dan Groce has touched the lives of thousands of Illinois students and their families during his career; and

WHEREAS, Dan Groce has stated that he could not have enjoyed his career any more than he has; and

WHEREAS, Dan Groce has announced his retirement from the Prairie Central School district but has also announced his intention to continue his coaching endeavors; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Dan Groce on his remarkable teaching and coaching career and wish him the best in his retirement; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dan Groce and his family as a symbol of our respect and esteem.