[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4885]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF GLEN AND POLLY BARTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2016

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Mr. and Mrs. Glen and 
Polly Barton for their tireless contributions to Peoria, Illinois and 
the surrounding communities. Glen and Polly Barton have dedicated their 
time, money, and most importantly their passion to making the community 
a better place to live. The Barton's are recognized as leaders and 
philanthropists where their generosity and guidance have touched the 
lives of so many.
  Polly Barton's steadfast work and leadership within the Peoria Park 
District made the vision of Peoria Zoo a reality. Her fundraising 
expertise combined with her commitment to serving the community led the 
way for the beautiful entryway, Barton Pavilion, of the Peoria Zoo that 
opened in 2012. Her active involvement with the Junior League of Peoria 
made the Peoria PlayHouse a reality where children are given the 
opportunity to explore, imagine, and play.
  WTVP, the PBS station for Peoria and surrounding areas, was also 
impacted by Glen and Polly's generosity and financial support. The 
campaign, assisted by Caterpillar during Glen's CEO tenure, raised 
enough money to move the station into the beautiful downtown studio on 
State Street, where it resides today.
  The Barton's have contributed considerably to their community, but 
their focus has always been to improve education by providing the 
resources necessary for students to excel. Illinois Central College and 
Eureka College have been fortunate to receive patronage from the 
Barton's through scholarships, mentorships, and fellowships. Their 
strong support has awarded students an educational opportunity to 
engage in their field of study, volunteer within the community, and 
exceed in their schoolwork. Understanding the importance of education 
for all students, Glen and Polly played a leadership role with their 
time and financial support to create Quest Charter Academy in Peoria.
  As former CEO of Caterpillar, Inc., Glen noticed that there were a 
shortage of technical skilled workers and realized that the school 
district was facing challenges in meeting the basic requirements in 
math and sciences. Glen expressed that, ``College education was a 
springboard to another world and set of opportunities,'' that children 
in his community were not receiving because of their limited education. 
Quest Charter Academy prepares students for secondary education by 
focusing on an innovative education rich in math, science, and 
technology. The school prides itself on their six core values: respect, 
responsibility, integrity, courage, curiosity, and effort, principles 
that have made the Barton's such successful and charitable people. 
Quest has given students, who otherwise would not have the opportunity, 
the resources available to be prepared for the competitive global 
world.
  Our Peoria area is lucky to have people like Glen and Polly who have 
tirelessly given back to our community. Central Illinois has benefitted 
immensely under the leadership, contributions, and generosity from the 
Barton's. Their efforts have made the community, just like Quest 
Charter Academy, a better place to grow, learn, and play.

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