WHEREAS, Robert E. Croston, Jr. (Rob) served as the beloved principal of Jenner Academy of the Arts, a public elementary school in the former Cabrini-Green neighborhood from 2014-2016; and
WHEREAS, Rob was a dedicated educator and inspired leader. During his time as Principal, Jenner students made significant gains in attendance, performance and socio-emotional development. His motto to be the "N.E.S.T.": be Neighborly. Stay Engaged. Be Scholarly. Use Teamwork energized the parents, students and teachers alike; and
WHEREAS, Prior to serving as Principal of Jenner, Rob was the Principal Resident at Coles Model for Excellence Language Academy as a member ofthe Chicago Leadership Collaborative; and
WHEREAS, He taught second grade as a Teach for America corps member and worked as a Founding Academy Director for Edison Learning in two south side Chicago International Charter schools; and
WHEREAS, Rob earned a Master's Degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education's School Leadership Program. He also a Master's degree in Social Science from The University of Chicago and a Master's Degree in Teaching from Dominican University. He received his BA in Political Science and Government from Marquette University. He attended Bay View High School in Milwaukee; and
WHEREAS, Rob was recognized for his inspired leadership and dedicated teaching. In 2016, he was named "Educator ofthe Year" by the Chicago State University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa International. He also received the 2016 Community Advocate Award from the Near North Unity Program. He was also designated the 2016 David DeCoursey Fellow in "Leadership Greater Chicago," a leadership development organization that brings together high performing civic leader to tackle the city's most pressing issues; and
WHEREAS, Rob and his wife Sheena, served as pastors at Crusaders Church. Together, they lead the children's ministry; and
WHEREAS, As he described himself on his Twitter page: "Friends of God. Husband to Sheena. Chicago Principal. Cheesehead for life. Justice for all just ain't specific enough; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this twenty-eighth day of March 2018 A.D., do hereby commemorate Robert E. Croston, Jr. for his lifetime contributions and do hereby extend to his family and many friends our sincere condolences.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Robert E. Croston, Jr.
Mra
Walter Burnett, Jr. \ Alderman, 27th Ward