H*5309 Concurrent Resolution, By Cobb-Hunter, Lee, Moody-Lawrence and Parks
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE FIRST AFRICAN- AMERICAN WOMEN GRADUATES
 OF THE CITADEL AND TO COMMEND THEM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING AND HISTORICAL
 ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA CORPS OF CADETS.

   05/21/02  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-65
   05/22/02  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence SJ-16

TO HONOR THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN GRADUATES OF THE CITADEL AND TO COMMEND THEM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING AND HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA CORPS OF CADETS.

Whereas, on May 11, 2002, history was made at groundbreaking graduation ceremonies at The Citadel in Charleston when the first African American women joined generations of past and future leaders to proudly issue forth from this bastion of military education; and

Whereas, these young women, diverse in their demographics and in their interests, united in their perseverance, courage, and commitment, and proved to be exceptional students and extraordinary leaders in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets; and

Whereas, this remarkable group of cadets includes Geneive Marie Hardney of Staten Island, New Jersey; Renee Eulalia Hypolite of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Natosha LaShay Mitchell of Dyersburg, Tennessee; Lesjanusar "Sha" Peterson of Chicago, Illinois; Adrienne Lynette Watson of Sanford, North Carolina; and South Carolina's own Toshika Janeise "Peaches" Hudson of Columbia and Jamey Allesha McCloud of Wadmalaw Island; and

Whereas, these outstanding young women successfully continued the challenges begun in 1970, when the first African American male graduated from The Citadel, and when their first sister cadet graduated in 1999; and

Whereas, rather than emphasizing their gender and racial differences, these cadets chose to demonstrate unity within the corps, relying upon their strength of character and commitment to excellence to elevate them to positions of leadership among their peers--in the Corps, in the classroom, and on the athletic fields; and

Whereas, these young women are to be commended for their tenacity, diligence, and dedication and their families are to be recognized for the love, guidance, and support they provided and the integrity, loyalty, and courage they imparted to their daughters;

Whereas, the General Assembly is pleased to have the opportunity to recognize these seven outstanding graduates of The Citadel and future leaders of this State. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, wish to honor the first African American women graduates of The Citadel and to commend them for their outstanding and historical achievements in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be given to Geneive Marie Hardney, Renee Eulalia Hypolite, Natosha LaShay Mitchell, Lesjanusar "Sha" Peterson, Adrienne Lynette Watson, Toshika Janeise Hudson, and Jamey Allesha McCloud.