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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-612 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE "SCHMOONEY" AS THE OFFICIAL STATE MASCOT FOR LITERACY.
Whereas, South Carolina has the third highest adult illiteracy rate in the United States, and five South Carolina counties have illiteracy rates higher than forty percent; and
Whereas, in 2002, one third of South Carolina students in the eighth grade were reading below state standards; and
Whereas, a literate population is a vital component of a growing and successful economy, as well as a necessary component for achieving an educated workforce; and
Whereas, promoting literacy not only serves the State, but also has the potential to impact and improve the quality of life for those who may be held back personally and economically due to illiteracy; and
Whereas, helping develop strong reading skills and instilling a love of reading at an early age helps provide children with a strong foundation for success in school and in life; and
Whereas, capturing the interest of children is often aided by physical symbols, and Bob Shumaker, a retired sales and marketing executive from Greenville, has created a unique symbol for reading, the "Schmooney", the main character in the Schmooney Trilogies, a children's series written by Mr. Shumaker; and
Whereas, the Schmooney, a creature made up of seven different animals, is not only a storybook hero, but also a soft cuddly stuffed animal which is fast becoming an endearing symbol that entices children to read; and
Whereas, Mr. Schumaker has developed and made available Schmooney Programs to communities, schools, churches, and libraries, and through these programs the Schmooney helps increase children's interest in reading, improves vocabulary and social interaction skills, and increases knowledge of nature and civic responsibilities. Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Article 9, Chapter 1, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 1-1-612. The Schmooney, a legendary creature made up of seven different animals and the central character of the Schmooney Trilogies, is the official State mascot for literacy."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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