Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO RECOGNIZE BOB SHUMAKER, OF GREENVILLE, AUTHOR OF THE SCHMOONEY TRILOGIES, A CHILDREN'S BOOK SERIES IN WHICH THE ENDEARING MAIN CHARACTER "THE SCHMOONEY" TAKES CHILDREN ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS DEDICATION TO HELPING IMPROVE READING SKILLS AND LITERACY ACROSS THE STATE AND TO DECLARE THE SCHMOONEY THE HONORARY MASCOT FOR LITERACY IN SOUTH CAROLINA FOR 2007-2008.
Whereas, South Carolina has the third highest adult illiteracy rate in the United States, and five South Carolina counties have illiteracy rates higher than forty percent; and
Whereas, in 2002, one third of South Carolina students in the eighth grade were reading below state standards; and
Whereas, a literate population is a vital component of a growing and successful economy, as well as a necessary component for achieving an educated workforce; and
Whereas, promoting literacy not only serves the State, but also has the potential to impact and improve the quality of life for those who may be held back personally and economically due to illiteracy; and
Whereas, helping develop strong reading skills and instilling a love of reading at an early age helps provide children with a strong foundation for success in school and in life; and
Whereas, capturing the interest of children is often aided by physical symbols, and Bob Shumaker, a retired sales and marketing executive from Greenville, has created a unique symbol for reading, the "Schmooney", the main character in The Schmooney Trilogies, a children's series written by Mr. Shumaker; and
Whereas, the Schmooney, a creature made up of seven different animals, is not only a storybook hero, but also a soft cuddly stuffed animal which is fast becoming an endearing symbol that entices children to read; and
Whereas, Mr. Schumaker has developed and made available Schmooney Programs to communities, schools, churches, and libraries, and through these programs the Schmooney helps increase children's interest in reading, improves vocabulary and social interaction skills, and increases knowledge of nature and civic responsibilities. 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, recognize Bob Shumaker, of Greenville, author of The Schmooney Trilogies, a children's book series in which the endearing main character the "Schmooney" takes children on wonderful adventures and to commend him for his dedication to helping improve reading skills and literacy across the State, and to declare "The Schmooney" the honorary mascot for literacy in South Carolina for 2007-2008.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Bob Shumaker.
This web page was last updated on Monday, June 22, 2009 at 2:40 P.M.