HR0992 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0992 LRB104 22498 MST 38943 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is committed to enhancing the quality of life within every community through impactful public service, leadership development, comprehensive education, and steadfast advocacy; and

WHEREAS, The dedicated members of the Iota Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., located in DeKalb and Rockford, actively promote critical water safety awareness and work tirelessly to reduce the risk of drowning through their exemplary initiative, the Swim 1922 program; and

WHEREAS, The Iota Upsilon Sigma Chapter established its annual Swim 1922 Water Safety Clinic at the Harkins Aquatic Pool in Rockford to honor the memory of James Leslie Harkins, who tragically passed through a drowning incident, and to transform his heartbreaking loss into a lasting legacy of education, prevention, and hope; and

WHEREAS, The untimely loss of James Leslie Harkins serves as a solemn, enduring reminder of the paramount importance of comprehensive water safety education, formal swimming instruction, and proactive community awareness to prevent future tragedies; and

WHEREAS, Through the vital work of the Swim 1922 Water Safety Clinic, hundreds of children and families have been empowered with life-saving swimming skills, critical resources, and foundational water safety instruction; and

WHEREAS, The memory of James Leslie Harkins continues to serve as a powerful catalyst, inspiring community leaders, volunteers, and organizational partners to collaborate seamlessly to ensure that all youth have equitable access to drowning prevention resources; and

WHEREAS, On July 11, 2026, the Iota Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. will officially dedicate its 2026 Swim 1922 Water Safety Clinic to the memory of James Leslie Harkins, ensuring his legacy continues to safeguard the youth of the Rockford community; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend the Iota Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. for their outstanding dedication to water safety education and drowning prevention and for their meaningful honoring of the life and legacy of James Leslie Harkins; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of James Leslie Harkins, whose legacy lives on through every child empowered with the knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around water; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Harkins Family as an expression of our deepest sympathy and to the Iota Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. as a token of our esteem and appreciation for their service.