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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LEO HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR ON THEIR HISTORIC PERFORMANCE ON “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT
WHEREAS, Leo Catholic High School, founded in 1926 in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago, is a beacon of academic excellence, spiritual development, and community leadership for nearly a century, and produced generations of distinguished alumni who contributed greatly to the cultural and civic fabric of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, among Leo’s most cherished traditions and most visible cultural assets is the Leo High School Choir, an ensemble under the gifted direction of Ms. LaDonna Hill. The Leo High School Choir transcended the boundaries of a school-based program to become a musical institution of renown across Chicago, Cook County, and beyond; and
WHEREAS, the Leo Choir established itself as one of the school’s most visible and valuable ambassadors, dazzling audiences throughout the city with their energy, versatility, and artistry. Their performances, whether in school concerts, parish celebrations, civic ceremonies, or high-profile city events, consistently embodied the values of excellence, discipline, and joy; and
WHEREAS, throughout the 2023-2024 academic year, the Leo Choir exemplified this commitment with a robust calendar of appearances. Their Spring Concert on May 8, featuring collaborations with the Drum Line and beginning music classes, drew a festive and enthusiastic audience despite ongoing renovations to the Leo Auditorium. Days later, their resonant voices enhanced the grandeur of Leo’s 89th Commencement at St. Margaret of Scotland, followed by spirited appearances at community programs in Ukrainian Village and Auburn Gresham. Their work not only uplifts audiences but also sustains the cultural life of neighborhoods across Chicago; and
WHEREAS, the Leo Choir’s prominence grew through headline performances at venues such as Holy Name Cathedral, the Four Seasons Hotel Scholarship Benefit, and corporate and civic celebrations, as well as their tradition of inspiring Christmas concerts that fill the Leo Auditorium to capacity bringing hope and joy to countless families. Residents enjoyed the Leo Choir’s music at Wrigley Field, Guaranteed Rate Field, and even before Pope Leo XIV’s Mass, solidifying their reputation as cultural emissaries of Chicago’s South Side; and
WHEREAS, what began as affectionate hyperbole in calling them “world renowned”, through the dedication of its student vocalists and the visionary leadership of Ms. Hill, became an increasingly accurate description. Averaging more than sixty public performances annually, the Choir became one of the most in-demand youth ensembles in the region; and
WHEREAS, in 2024 the Choir’s reputation reached new heights when their local performances caught the attention of national producers, ultimately earning them an invitation to audition for NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Their March performance, broadcast to millions in June 2025, captivated the show’s celebrity judges, including the famously exacting Simon Cowell, who responded with uncharacteristic delight at the Choir’s stirring harmonies; and
WHEREAS, building upon their national success, the Leo High School Choir advanced through the rigorous stages of the America’s Got Talent competition, ultimately reaching the finals and achieving a distinguished 4th place finish, an accomplishment bringing immense pride to Leo Catholic High School, the South Side of Chicago, and Cook County as a whole; and
WHEREAS, this ensemble of twenty-two young men from Chicago’s South Side not only earned a coveted spot in the quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent, but also demonstrated to the nation the extraordinary cultural talent nurtured within Cook County’s schools. Their artistry is not merely entertainment, it is testimony to the transformative power of music, the resilience of Leo’s young men, and the leadership of mentors like Ms. LaDonna Hill and Coordinator Yolanda Sandifer Horton; and
WHEREAS, the Leo Choir’s ascent from neighborhood concerts to a national stage represents a triumph of dedication, talent, and community support. In their journey, they carry the legacy of Leo Catholic High School and the hopes of their families and neighborhoods, inspiring others with the reminder that greatness can spring from humble beginnings and resonate on the world stage.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 3rd DISTRICT, AND TONI PRECKWINKLE, PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, do hereby honor and commend the Leo High School Choir for their outstanding achievements, their historic performance on America’s Got Talent, and their invaluable contributions as cultural ambassadors for Chicago and Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Ms. LaDonna Hill, the Leo High School Choir, and the administration of Leo Catholic High School as a symbol of the high esteem in which they are held by the residents and leadership of Cook County. Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry 3rd. District. Dated this ______ day of ______
Sincerely,
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