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TO HONOR AND COMMEND ABIGAIL MCCARTER OF GREENVILLE FOR HER OUTSTANDING RECORD OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE, PEER LEADERSHIP, AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND TO LAUD HER FOR EARNING THE ILLUSTRIOUS 2017 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD.
Whereas, it is altogether fitting and proper that members of the House of Representatives pause in their deliberations to recognize seventeen-year-old Abigail McCarter of Greenville for achieving national recognition for meritorious volunteer service through the reception of the 2017 Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and
Whereas, this prestigious award, presented by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities; and
Whereas, Abigail earned this award by giving generously of her time and energy to oversee a weeklong fundraising campaign by her school's student body that included more than forty-five individual events and raised over $220,000 for children with congenital heart defects; and
Whereas, as a member of Wade Hampton High School's student council for three years, Abigail participated in many volunteer activities, but when she was elected student body president, she took charge of her school's annual "Spirit Week", which raises money for a different charity each year. The beneficiary of the 2016 "Spirit Week" was chosen by Abigail and her fellow council members. The selection of Emerson Rose Heart Foundation allowed Abigail to raise money for a cause that was close to her heart, as she had long watched her best friend struggle with the difficulties that come with a congenital heart defect; and
Whereas, for six months, Abigail supervised the planning and implementation of dozens of fundraising events, and personally managed a parent night party, silent auction, painting class, midnight jam, and bachelor auction. She even set about raising money on her own by writing letters to solicit donations, selling cookies and candy at school, and hosting a golf tournament. By the end of the week, Abigail and her fellow council members had raised $221,000 for the foundation, and Abigail herself raised more than $12,000, breaking her school's individual fundraising record; and
Whereas, as one of two recipients from South Carolina of this distinguished honor, Abigail will receive a cash prize, an engraved silver medallion, and a trip to Washington D.C., in early May, where she will join the top two honorees from each of the other states and the District of Columbia for four days of national recognition events. During the trip, the award winners will tour the capital's landmarks, meet top youth volunteers from around the world, attend a gala awards ceremony at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, and visit their congressional representatives on Capitol Hill; and
Whereas, members of the House of Representatives appreciate and applaud Abigail McCarter for the work ethic, dedication, and selflessness she has shown. It is uplifting to see a young individual give of her free time with the only goal being to aid others. The success of the Palmetto State, the strength of our communities, and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of people like Abigail who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor and commend Abigail McCarter of Greenville for her outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership, and community spirit and laud her for earning the illustrious 2017 Prudential of Spirit Community Award.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Abigail McCarter.
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