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 familie...
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