As ISPA President, I would also like to thank two individuals who have worked hard on behalf of ISPA and the children of Illinois for many years. They have also provided me personally with invaluable support during my term as President. Please join me in thanking both Shirley Pitts and Ross Pesce.

I can talk all day about Ross and Shirley, and my personal admiration for both of them. But I will keep my remarks brief.

The person I talk to more than anyone else, usually several times each day, is Shirley Pitts. While much of our talk revolves around ISPA and NASP details, Shirley is also a friend who can be counted on to keep her word. Regardless of what I ask her to do, Shirley smiles and says, “Sure. For you, I will do it!”

Ross has served as a quiet yet powerful support to me this year. His counsel to me is invaluable, and his passion to make ISPA a better organization is unmatched. In addition to serving as my personal driver, Ross has taught me that you can’t fix everything with a hammer.

Shirley and Ross….I am pleased to call you colleagues. I am pleased to call you mentors. More than that, I am proud to call you friends. Thank you!

Presented by Anthony Adamowski, ISPA President