S*0728 Concurrent Resolution, By Pinckney
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND RICHIE PARKER OF BEAUFORT FOR HIS EFFORTS
 TO OVERCOME THE PHYSICAL CHALLENGES THAT LIFE HAS PRESENTED HIM AND TO
 CONGRATULATE HIM ON HIS NUMEROUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A STUDENT AND AS A CITIZEN
 OF THIS STATE.

   06/04/01  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-8
   06/05/01  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-15

TO COMMEND RICHIE PARKER OF BEAUFORT FOR HIS EFFORTS TO OVERCOME THE PHYSICAL CHALLENGES THAT LIFE HAS PRESENTED HIM AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON HIS NUMEROUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A STUDENT AND AS A CITIZEN OF THIS STATE.

Whereas, Richie Parker is eighteen years old and is the only child of Tracy and Lottie Parker of Beaufort. Although he was born without arms and with a leg length discrepancy, Richie has refused to allow his disability to prevent him from having an active life and being a positive force in his community; and

Whereas, he began his education at Eleanor Christensen Montessori School and is now preparing to graduate from Battery Creek High School in Beaufort. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was selected by the school faculty as this year's recipient of the Senior Dolphin Award, given to one senior in honor of his high standards for academics and attendance and for his contributions to the school and the community; and

Whereas, Richie plans to attend Clemson University and major in mechanical engineering where he will already have a total of seventeen hours of college credit. He has shown tremendous aptitude in the field of science through his participation in the Science Bowl at the University of South Carolina - Aiken for the past two years and as a member of the team from Battery Creek High School that represented the United States in the fourteenth annual International Young Physicists Tournament held in Finland; and

Whereas, Richie, despite his physical limitations, has taken on a variety of scholastic and recreational challenges that include his work with the Battery Creek High School yearbook staff for three years and his service as the yearbook's editor for a year, his work in formatting the school's literary magazine for the past three years, and his efforts as a volunteer with the Gullah Sentinel newspaper, where he helps design ads; and

Whereas, Richie Parker, has demonstrated an unmatched passion for life and has made great use of the other gifts God has given him, which along with the care and generosity of those around him, has enabled him to live a full and rewarding life. The General Assembly is proud to recognize Richie for all his accomplishments and wish him great success in all his future endeavors. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, commend Richie Parker of Beaufort for his efforts to overcome the physical challenges that life has presented him and congratulate him on his numerous accomplishments as a student and as a citizen of this State.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Richie Parker of Beaufort.