RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 7, 2019
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing “El Jardín de Agua” and honoring Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy, student artist Abril Avina, and the OPEN Center for the Arts
Body
WHEREAS, on September 20, 2019, as part of the 92nd Annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) Commissioners and staff joined Water Environment Federation (WEF) volunteers, City of Chicago Department of Water Management officials, City of Chicago officials, and Chicago Public Schools to host the annual WaterPalooza educational fair; and
WHEREAS, students, teachers, and families enjoyed an educational day of interactive, hands-on environmental activities focusing on the value of water and protecting the environment at home and in the community at Little Village’s Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy; and
WHEREAS, on September 21, 2019, District Commissioners and staff returned to Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy with the WEF Students and Young Professionals Committee to participate in “El Jardín de Agua”; and
WHEREAS, “El Jardín de Agua” (the Water Garden) is the name that was chosen by the students and parents as this year’s WEF Community Service Project. Many dedicated volunteers from various organizations worked tirelessly towards the completion of the project with the goal of providing education regarding conservation of the environment, focused primarily on the value of water and flood reduction; and
WHEREAS, the volunteers, in partnership with the designers from the OPEN Center for the Arts, helped transform a vital community space at Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy into a rain garden; and
WHEREAS, OPEN Center for the Arts is an art center that provides a space where artists are encouraged to come and present their work in a supportive environment. The OPEN Center for the Arts focuses on community transformation, nature, unity, and preservation of what was, what is, and what will be; and
WHEREAS, Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy maximizes outcomes and opportunities for over 1,000 Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade students and families through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, as well as other magnet curriculum; and
WHEREAS, Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy student Abril Avina is the artist behind the design and logo for “El Jardín de Agua”; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and staff, do hereby celebrate the dedication of Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy, student artist Abril Avina, and the OPEN Center for the Arts and honor their contributions in our communities and beyond; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy, student artist Abril Avina, and the OPEN Center for the Arts.
Dated: November 7, 2019