Schools

Governor Quinn Proclaims December 18, 2012 ‘Colby Burnett Day’


Honors Burnett’s outstanding performance on Jeopardy!

CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–December 18, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following proclamation.

WHEREAS, in 1832, Abraham Lincoln commented on the importance of education by stating “I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in”; and,

WHEREAS, Colby Burnett is a dedicated Illinois educator who demonstrated a passion for lifelong learning by competing in, and ultimately winning, the November 20th episode of the game show “Jeopardy!”; and,

WHEREAS, Jeopardy! is one of America’s most recognized game shows which currently averages 25 million viewers per week; and,

WHEREAS, Jeopardy! has been honored with several awards, including 30 Daytime Emmy Awards, granted status as “ America’s Favorite Quiz Show” by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and was the recipient of a 2012 Peabody Award for its role in “rewarding knowledge”; and,

WHEREAS, Colby Burnett, a Fenwick High School graduate, obtained degrees in both history and political science from Northwestern University in Evanston before returning to Fenwick High School as a history instructor where he teaches several Advanced Placement courses; and,

WHEREAS, Colby Burnett, in addition to his teaching responsibilities, is the faculty sponsor of the Fenwick High School Scholastic Bowl, which encourages students to engage in educational pursuits in a fun and exciting atmosphere; and,

WHEREAS, Colby Burnett won Jeopardy! as a participant in the 15-contesteant “Teacher’s Tournament”, which exclusively featured educators, and was awarded the grand prize; and,

WHEREAS, Colby Burnett, as a result of his victory in the Teacher’s Tournament, qualifies to compete in the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions this February; and,

WHEREAS, Colby Burnett has represented the State of Illinois admirably, and established himself as a role model to his students, the State of Illinois, and the entire country; and,

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim December 18, 2012 as COLBY BURNETT DAY in Illinois, in recognition of his dedication to education, and do hereby encourage all residents to follow in his footsteps by making learning a lifelong pursuit.

Source: illinois.gov


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