S*1286 Concurrent Resolution, By Ford
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING ST. EMMA MILITARY ACADEMY AND THE ST.
 FRANCIS DE SALES HIGH SCHOOL ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH REUNION OF THE
 CLASS OF 1958, AND THE FORTIETH REUNION OF THE CLASS OF 1968.

   04/15/08  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-2
   04/16/08  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-7

CONGRATULATING ST. EMMA MILITARY ACADEMY AND THE ST. FRANCIS DE SALES HIGH SCHOOL ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH REUNION OF THE CLASS OF 1958, AND THE FORTIETH REUNION OF THE CLASS OF 1968.

Whereas, St. Emma Military Academy was established in 1895 for young Black men, and its sister school, St. Francis de Sales was established in 1899 for young Black and Native American women; and

Whereas, St. Emma Military Academy at Belmead and St. Francis de Sales High School at Mt. Pleasant were located on adjacent plantations in Powhatan County, Virginia, overlooking the James River. The historic mansion at Belmead is on the historic register, and St. Francis de Sales is in the process of obtaining this status; and

Whereas, both schools were Black Catholic boarding schools founded by Colonel Edward and Louise Drexel Morrell, and now Saint Katherine Drexel. These schools boast a rich history, and their dedication to educating children of color was much needed at the time when such kindness was not often extended; and

Whereas, as a result of decline in enrollment in the midst of an onslaught of educational opportunities opening for African Americans, the schools closed in 1972 and 1971, respectively; and

Whereas, on July 18, 2008, the alumni of St. Emma Military Academy and St. Francis de Sales High School will celebrate the fiftieth reunion of the Class of 1958 and the fortieth reunion of the Class of 1968. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly congratulate St. Emma Military Academy and St. Francis de Sales High School on the celebration of the fiftieth reunion of the Class of 1958 and the fortieth reunion of the Class of 1968.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the St. Emma Military Academy and the St. Francis de Sales High School Class of 1958 and 1968.