Record #: R2023-496   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 3/15/2023 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 3/15/2023
Title: Honoring Principal Aaron Rucker, Salvatore Baudo and staff of William H. Ryder Math and Science Specialty for heroic acts
Sponsors: Lightfoot, Lori E. , Villegas, Gilbert, Hadden, Maria E. , Osterman, Harry, Knudsen, Timothy R., Tunney, Thomas, Scott, Monique L. , Hopkins, Brian , Sigcho-Lopez, Byron, Rodriguez, Michael D., Moore, David H., Waguespack, Scott, Gardiner, James M.
Attachments: 1. R2023-496.pdf

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

CITY OF CHICAGO

LORI E. LIGHTFOOT

MAYOR

March 15. 2023

TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OE THE CITY OF CHICAGO

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Villegas, Hadden, Ostorman, Knudsen, Tunney, Scott, Hopkins, Sigcho-Lopez, Rodriguez, Moore, Waguespack and Gardiner, a resolution honoring Principal Rucker of Ryder Elementary School.

Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On the morning of August 31, 2022, 367 kindergarten to eight grade students and parents were at the playground of William H. Ryder Math and Science Specialty School located at 8716 South Wallace Street, waiting for the school day to begin; and

WHEREAS, At 8:40 AM, an armed assailant began firing bullets from a moving vehicle into the crowded playground; and

WHEREAS, Upon hearing the shots, Ryder's Principal, Aaron Rucker, sprang into action and directed staff to initiate a hard lockdown of the school; and

WHEREAS, While braving the assault, Ryder's staff heroically evacuated 367 parents and children from the school's playground into the safe confines of the school within 2 minutes; and

WHEREAS, Principal Rucker identified a man screaming for help on the playground after being shot by the assailant; and

WHEREAS, Principal Rucker, Salvatore Baudo, and Ryder's staff risked their lives by , running to the playground, retrieving the gun-shot victim, compressing the victim's wound, and transporting the wounded victim to a nearby porch for safety; and

WHEREAS, Principal Rucker presented an accurate description of the incident to law enforcement authorities; and

WHEREAS, Principal Rucker, Salvatore Baudo, and Ryder's Staff moved under withering gun fire to save children and a wounded individual with total disregard for their own lives; and

WHEREAS, The actions of Ryder's Staff on August 31, 2022, ensured the well-being of over 367 lives; and

WHEREAS, Ryder's staff are a credit to their community, their families, their professions and the City of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, The staff's extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of humanity and reflect greatly upon Chicago Public Schools; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this fifteenth day of March, 2023, do hereby honor Principal Aaron D. Rucker, Salvatore Baudo, and all of the Staff of William H. Ryder Math and Science Specialty School for their amazing acts of courage, compassion, and self-sacrifice in aiding the wounded and protecting the school community from the attack; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Principal Rucker and Salvatore Baudo, as a sign of our appreciation for their heroic acts.