H*4960 Resolution, By Nanney
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE FAITH ELIZABETH OLSEN OF GREENVILLE COUNTY
 UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HER FOR HER FORTY-FIVE YEARS
 OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS AN EDUCATOR, AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS AND
 FULFILLMENT IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

   03/07/12  House  Introduced and adopted (House Journal-page 7)

TO CONGRATULATE FAITH ELIZABETH OLSEN OF GREENVILLE COUNTY UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HER FOR HER FORTY-FIVE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS AN EDUCATOR, AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives honors those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of this great state's most important legacy, its children; and

Whereas, Faith Elizabeth Olsen of Greenville County, retiring after forty-five fruitful years as a classroom teacher and administrator, stands among their number as an outstanding public benefactor, one much admired as both educator and role model for her students; and

Whereas, a native of Riverside, New Jersey, young "Chickie," as she was known to family and friends, received her early teacher training at Bob Jones University (BJU), finishing in 1967 with a degree in elementary education. Further preparation for her calling followed, also at BJU, where in 1980 she earned a master of education. In addition, she earned teacher certification from the State of South Carolina, as well as advanced professional certification from the American Association of Christian Schools; and

Whereas, as an eager first-year educator, she began her teaching career in 1967 with an assignment at Dade Christian school in Florida, where she taught first grade. The following year, she moved to Ramseur, North Carolina, to teach English, science, and physical education in grades 6, 7, and 8 at Faith Christian School; and

Whereas, in 1969, Mrs. Olsen joined the faculty at Bob Jones Junior High School (BJJH) for the first time, teaching English, science, and Spanish for several years. After some time off to start a family, she returned to full-time teaching at BJJH--math this time--and then, beginning in 1978, she took on the U.S history class that she would continue to teach until 2004; and

Whereas, during those years at BJJH, Mrs. Olsen took on many additional responsibilities beyond her teaching duties, among them late-stay supervisor, building inspector, Williamsburg trip organizer, and sponsor and cook for the high school's mission trip to New York City. She also mentored a total of ten student teachers; and

Whereas, Faith Elizabeth Olsen was consistently a favorite of her students, many of whom remember her classes and personal attention fondly. Her love for history and particularly her love for her country inspired many. Long acknowledged as a master teacher, she received public recognition of that mastery when she was named to Who's Who Among America's Teachers in 1994 and 2002. She was recognized for thirty years' faithful service to Bob Jones University in 1999 and again for forty years' faithful service in 2009; and

Whereas, in her forty-three years at Bob Jones, Mrs. Olsen has worked with eight different principals. From 2004 to 2009, she served the junior high as assistant administrator and at the start of the 2009-2010 school year became acting principal. For her final year of ministry to her school, the 2011-2012 academic year, Mrs. Olsen has continued as assistant administrator; and

Whereas, on the home front, Faith Elizabeth Olsen and her husband, Craig, raised a fine family of two boys, Brent and Randy, who have given their parents the joy of two grandchildren: Zakery Craig Olsen (named after his grandfather) and Faith Olsen (named after her grandmother); and

Whereas, during her well-earned retirement, the House trusts Mrs. Olsen will find herself more frequently able to spend time out on the beautiful beaches of South Carolina (buried at times in the pages of favorite books, of course) and in the kitchen indulging her love for cooking; and

Whereas, having set the bar of achievement high in her profession, Faith Elizabeth Olsen will be remembered with affection and gratitude by colleagues, students, parents, and legislative friends for years to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Faith Elizabeth Olsen of Greenville County upon the occasion of her retirement, commend her for her forty-five years of dedicated service as an educator, and wish her much happiness and fulfillment in all her future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Faith Elizabeth Olsen.