H*4604 Concurrent Resolution, By J. Hines and M. Hines
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE
 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO MS. HERMENA SWINTON OF
 FLORENCE COUNTY AND TO HONOR HER ON THE OCCASION OF BEING SELECTED AS THE
 "1997 OUTSTANDING OLDER SOUTH CAROLINIAN" BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE ON AGING.

   02/11/98  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-5
   02/12/98  Senate Adopted, returned to House with concurrence SJ-7

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

EXTENDING THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO MS. HERMENA SWINTON OF FLORENCE COUNTY AND TO HONOR HER ON THE OCCASION OF BEING SELECTED AS THE "1997 OUTSTANDING OLDER SOUTH CAROLINIAN" BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE ON AGING.

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly are very proud to learn that Ms. Hermena Swinton, seventy-five years young, has been named the "1997 Outstanding Older South Carolinian"; and

Whereas, each year the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Office on Aging gives statewide recognition to an individual age sixty-five or older who, through his or her leadership, has rendered outstanding and ongoing contributions to aging-related teaching, research, service delivery, and advocacy on a community, regional, or state level; and

Whereas, Ms. Swinton was initially nominated by CareSouth Carolina, Inc. and was the recipient of the Regional 1997 Outstanding Older South Carolinian; and

Whereas, Hermena Swinton was born in Burgaw, North Carolina, and has been a resident of the Pee Dee for nineteen years; and

Whereas, Ms. Swinton raised four children who are all college graduates; and

Whereas, Ms. Swinton taught in the public school system and is very active in her church. With all of this, she still found the time to answer "the call for help" from whoever needed her; and

Whereas, she has had a tremendous impact on children and senior adults, particularly in the field of education and health. Her general demeanor is one that demonstrates the willingness and helpfulness of the people of South Carolina; and

Whereas, Ms. Swinton has served on the State Committee for the Office on Aging and played an active role with the United Negro College Fund; is currently very active with the McLeod Regional Medical Center Senior Life Program, where she has served as an advisory board member implementing various events and activities for seniors; has organized seminars, health education classes, and social events; served as a volunteer registrar for health clinics, performed general office duties, planned luncheons for volunteers; and has been very active at Christmas with the Children's Depot at Magnolia Mall; and

Whereas, Ms. Swinton spends long hours at the Children's Hospital helping children cope with serious illnesses and as a volunteer with the McLeod Senior Life Auxiliary Board, she has been involved with raising money for the Children's Miracle Network Telethon; and

Whereas, the "Rocking Chair Reading Program" was established by Ms. Swinton. This program provides an avenue for students to go to nursing homes to read to the residents; and

Whereas, in addition, Ms. Swinton has also served as proctor for standardized testing for Florence School District One, as well as chairing various school activities, and assisted in the coordination of a summer program helping low-income students improve their reading and math skills including, tutoring underprivileged boys from single parent homes; and

Whereas, this warm and gracious lady truly deserves the honor of "1997 Outstanding Older South Carolinian" because her entire adult life to this point has been spent serving people of the region and state with her generosity and compassion; and

Whereas, she exemplifies the best traits of those who give of themselves and the General Assembly is very proud of Hermena Swinton's many accomplishments and extends best wishes to her continued success in all future endeavors. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, extend their congratulations to Ms. Hermena Swinton of Florence County and honor her on the occasion of being selected as the "1997 Outstanding Older South Carolinian" by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Office on Aging.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Ms. Hermena Swinton.