HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 67-R-25 Designating that portion of Oakton Street between Asbury Avenue and Wesley Avenue with the Honorary Street Name Sign, “James (Jim) McHolland Way”8/25/2025
67-R-25
A RESOLUTION
Designating that portion of Oakton Street between Asbury Avenue and
Wesley Avenue with the Honorary Street Name Sign,
“James (Jim) McHolland Way”
WHEREAS, James McHolland is the Principal of Chute Middle School,
where for twenty-six (26) years he has helped create a positive and inclusive culture
where all students feel valued and supported; and
WHEREAS, under Mr. McHollands’s leadership, Chute Middle School
received a 2021 Thrive Award for providing students a positive and supportive learning
environment; and
WHEREAS,in February 2025,Mr.McHolland received the Buddy
Portugal award,which is given to adults in the community who have made an
outstanding contribution to Evanston’s youth; and
WHEREAS, Mr.McHolland’s humanitarian work extends beyond the
classroom through his support of the Justin Wynn Leadership Academy and other
community service intiatives that empower young people in Evanston; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McHolland’s commitment to the community has been
recognized by several organizations, as evidenced by his receipt of the Chessman of
the North Shore Community Service Award, Justin Wynn Fund Honor 2025, and
McGaw YMCA’s Inaugural Lorraine H.Morton Award for Commitment to the
Community; and
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67-R-25
WHEREAS, positivelyEvanstonian,nativea hasMr.McHolland,
influenced generations of Evanston residents, creating a lasting historical impact on the
City’s educational landscape; and
WHEREAS, James McHolland has been a pillar of the community and has
spent years serving the people of Evanston.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT:
SECTION 1:are found as fact andrecitalsherebyThe foregoing
incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2: On behalf of the entire citizenry of the City of Evanston, the
City Council hereby expresses appreciation for James McHolland by designating that
portion thewithAvenueand WesleyAsburyAvenueStreetOaktonofbetween
Honorary Street Name Sign, “James (Jim) McHolland Way.”
SECTION 3: This Resolution 67-R-25 will be in full force and effect from
and after the date of its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
_______________________________
Daniel Biss, Mayor
Attest:
______________________________
Stephanie Mendoza, City Clerk
Adopted: __________________, 2025
Approved as to form:
_______________________________
Alexandra B. Ruggie, Corporation Counsel
September 29
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Parks and Recreation Department 909
Davis St., Evanston, Illinois 60201
T 847.448.4311
TTY 847.866.5095
www.cityofevanston.org
City of Evanston
Honorary Street Name Sign Application Form
PURPOSE OF PROGRAM: The Honorary Street Name Sign program was established to allow
citizens the opportunity to honor people who have contributed greatly to the City of Evanston
through cultural, historic, or humanitarian acts. Request for an honorary designation has to
originate with an Alderman and each Alderman may have one honorary designation approved
each year.Honorary street name signs are displayed for a period of ten-years and the portion
of a street so designated is one block long. The program is administered by the Parks and
Recreation Board through the Parks and Recreation Department. Final approval is granted by
the Evanston City Council. The honorary designation expires ten years after its passage by City
Council, at which time the signs will be removed (Resolution 52-R-01).
PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION BELOW:
NAME OF HONOREE:James (Jim) McHolland Way
(as it would appear on the street sign)
PROPER STREET NAME:Oakton Street
INTERSECTING STREETS AT EACH END OF THE ONE BLOCK AREA:
Between Asbury Ave and Wesley Ave
PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY, AND GIVE A BRIEF EXPLANATION FOR EACH OF THE
APPLICABLE CRITERIA. A STREET CAN BE NAMED FOR AN INDIVIDUAL, OR
GROUP/DESIGNATION.
___CULTURAL IMPACT TO CITY:
As Principal of Chute Middle School, Mr. McHolland has fostered a "Chute Family" feeling,
creating a positive and inclusive school culture where all students feel valued and supported.
Under his leadership, Chute Middle School received a 2021 Thrive Award for providing students
with a positive and supportive learning environment. His influence has shaped Evanston's
educational culture through his commitment to creating inclusive learning environments that
enable students from diverse backgrounds to thrive.
___ HISTORICAL IMPACT TO CITY:
Mr. McHolland was born and raised in Evanston and has served the Chute Middle School
community for 26 years, making him one of Evanston's longest-serving school principals. He
has also served the Evanston community since . He is retiring at the end of the current school
year, after more than three decades of service in District 65. His decades of dedication have
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positively influenced multiple generations of Evanston residents, creating a lasting historical
impact on the city's educational landscape.
___HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS:
In February 2025, Mr. McHolland was presented with the Buddy Portugal Award, which is given
to an adult in the community who has made an outstanding contribution to Evanston's youth.
This award recognized his contributions to local youth and the incredible impact he's made on
generations of learners. His humanitarian work extends beyond the classroom through his
support of the Justin Wynn Leadership Academy and other community service initiatives that
empower young people in Evanston.
___CLOSE ASSOCIATION WITH EVANSTON:
Mr. McHolland was born and raised in Evanston, demonstrating lifelong ties to the community.
In his acceptance speech for the Buddy Portugal Award, he shared memories of his youth in
Evanston, including how community experiences helped shape his 33-year career in Evanston
schools. His deep roots in the community and decades of service demonstrate an exceptional
connection to Evanston.
___ DISTINGUISED CAREER BROUGHT TO THE CITY:
Positions at Haven Middle School: Science Teacher Positions at Chute: Assistant Principal,
Principal Professional Achievements, Recognitions, Awards received: Chessman of the North
Shore Community Service Award; Justin Wynn Fund Honor 2025; McGaw YMCA’s Inaugural
Lorraine H. Morton Award for Commitment to Community
Superintendent Angel Turner noted that Mr. McHolland "has made an incredible impact on
generations of learners and is beloved by students, staff, and families alike." JWF board
president and former student Ravi Randhava remembered "Mr. Mac" as "someone who was
committed to making sure every student felt welcomed, valued, and engaged." His distinguished
educational career has emphasized collaborative approaches, inclusivity, and fostering a sense
of belonging for all students.
___GEOGRAPHICAL RELATIONSHIP OF STREET TO FOCUS OF INTEREST
Chute Middle School is located on Oakton between Dodge and Asbury, where Mr. McHolland
served for 26 years as an Administrator. This location represents the heart of Mr. McHolland's
professional impact on the community, where generations of students have experienced his
leadership and care
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x A LIVING INDIVIDUAL (EXCLUSIVE OF CITY OF EVANSTON STAFF)
Signature of Applicant: Date: 7/14/2025
(Councilmember)
Applicant’s Address: 536 Ridge Ave Phone 847-868-2197
Email: jgeracaris@cityofevanston.org
Signature of Applicant: J. Elizabeth Cotton
Date: 6/5/2025
Applicant’s Address: 424 Barton Ave. Evanston Phone 312.502.4671
Email: elizabeth.lisabeta@gmail.com
Submit completed form to:
City of Evanston
Parks and Recreation Department
909 Davis St., Evanston, IL 60201
athompson@cityofevanston.org
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