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              ILLINOIS REGISTER 4278
09
PROCLAMATIONS
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois recognizes that arts education, which includes dance, drama,
music, and visual arts, is an essential part of basic education for all students,
providing them with a balanced education that will aid in developing their full
potential; and
WHEREAS, the arts enrich the lives of children in Illinois and throughout the country by
helping them to develop creative ability, self-expression, self-reflection, cognitive
skills, discipline, a heightened appreciation of beauty and cross-cultural
understanding; and
WHEREAS, experience in the arts develops insights and abilities central to the experience of
life; and
WHEREAS, the arts are collectively an important repository of our culture; and
WHEREAS, many national and state professional education associations hold celebrations in
the month of March focused on students' participation in the arts; and
WHEREAS, these celebrations give Illinois schools a unique opportunity to focus on the value
of the arts for all students, to foster cross-cultural understanding, to recognize the
state's outstanding young artists, to focus on careers in the arts available to Illinois
students, and to enhance public support for this important part of their curriculum;
and
WHEREAS, the fine arts are a significant component of students' educational development,
teaching them the language and production of the arts, and helping them
understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present:
THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim March 16-22,
2009 as ILLINOIS ARTS EDUCATION WEEK, and encourage all citizens to celebrate the
arts with meaningful student activities and programs that demonstrate learning and
understanding in the visual and performing arts.
Issued by the Governor February 26, 2009
Filed by the Secretary of State March 2, 2009
2009-44
Federal Employee of the Year Day
WHEREAS, the hard work and dedication of men and women across the United States has
been instrumental in making our nation strong and prosperous; and