Governor Quinn Proclaims Downers Grove North High School Day in Illinois

CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today proclaimed October 15, 2013 to be Downers Grove North High School Day in Illinois in honor of the inspirational Anne Wagner and the classmates who rallied to support her. Anne, who has Down syndrome, missed half of her sophomore year and almost all of her junior year in high school after being diagnosed with leukemia. After returning to school in her senior year, an organic movement of students held a successful social networking drive to elect Anne this year’s Homecoming Queen. The Governor’s proclamation lauds Anne’s bravery and her classmates’ passion to honor her.

WHEREAS, Downers Grove North High School has worked diligently over the years to provide a high quality and well-rounded education to its students; and,

WHEREAS, Downers Grove North High School has demonstrated a commitment to promoting character development through the “Positively North” program, which fosters a positive and supportive school climate by promoting respectful, responsible behaviors; and,

WHEREAS, Downers Grove North High School has many talented, intelligent, and dedicated students. One such student is Anne Wagner; and,

WHEREAS, as a student at Downers Grove North High School, Anne Wagner has served as an inspiration to her classmates and teachers, positively impacting everyone who has had an opportunity to meet her; and,

WHEREAS, Anne Wagner, despite being diagnosed with leukemia last year, remained brave in the face of adversity, spending most of her time at Lurie Children’s Hospital heroically fighting cancer; and,

WHEREAS, though she was forced to miss half of her sophomore year and nearly all of her junior year while recovering from leukemia, Anne Wagner received clearance from her doctors to return to Downers Grove North High School for her senior year; and,

WHEREAS, one of Anne Wagner’s classmates, wanting to make her senior year memorable, created a Facebook page called Vote Annie Wagner 4 Homecoming Court; and,

WHEREAS, Anne Wagner was recently selected as the 2013 Homecoming Queen of Downers Grove North High School; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Illinois will recognize Anne Wagner and Downers Grove North High School on October 15, 2013; and,

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2013, as DOWNERS GROVE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL DAY in Illinois, in recognition of the students, teachers, and administrators at this school who have rallied to support Anne Wagner.