A house RESOLUTION

 

To recognize and honor Reverend Dr. George E. Hicks, of Clarendon County, for fifty years of service to educational excellence and to extend best wishes for much success in all his future endeavors.

 

Whereas, it is altogether fitting and proper that the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina should pause in their deliberations to express their gratitude to Reverend Dr. George E. Hicks, a distinguished educator, administrator, college professor, and pastor with over fifty years of service in education and thirty years in ministry; and

 

Whereas, a native of Manning, the young George came into this world in 1953, the son of the late Edward Hicks and the late Shirley Hicks. Educated in the public schools of Clarendon County, he graduated from Manning High School in 1972. Seeking additional preparation for his life's work, he attended Paine College where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Erskine Theological Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity. He furthered his education at South Carolina State University where he received a Master of Education degree, an Education Specialist degree and a Doctor of Education degree; and

 

Whereas, over the course of fifty years in education, Dr. Hicks has served with distinction as an elementary and middle school teacher, as an assistant principal, as a principal, and as a college professor for twenty-five years; and

 

Whereas, throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Hicks has received numerous honors and awards, including recognition as Who's Who Among American High School Students and Who's Who Among American College Students, as well as being named Teacher of the Year. He is also the recipient of the Service Recognition Crystal Award from South Carolina State University and the State of South Carolina Certificate of Service for forty-eight years of academic excellence. In addition, South Carolina State University has honored him with the distinctions of Professor Emeritus and Professor of the Year; and

 

Whereas, with more than thirty years in ministry, Reverend Dr. Hicks has faithfully served several congregations within the African Methodist Episcopal Church, including Cedar Grove African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, Shiloh A.M.E. Church, Butler Chapel A.M.E. Church, Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, and Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church. He currently serves as pastor of Historic Liberty Hill A.M.E. Church; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Hicks has also held numerous leadership roles within African Methodist Episcopal Church conferences over the years. For thirteen years, he served as the resolution chair and the Sons of Allen director of music at Central Conference. He also served as the Columbia Conference director of music, a delegate at the 2024 General Conference, and chair of the Finance Committee of the Annual Conference. Most recently, he has served as the chair of the Conference Trustees, chair of the Board of Examiners, and the first pastor of the Santee District at the Central Conference; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Hicks is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Symphonic Music Fraternity, Phi Delta Kappa, and the American Education Association; and

 

Whereas, he is married to his beloved wife Felita Grady Hicks. Together they are the proud parents of Tiffany, Danielle, Brandon, Cara, and the late Melvin Hicks. They are blessed with six grandchildren, A'Dayzia, Dy'Rell, Ayden, Bryson, Aria, and Theo, and one great-grandchild, Joshuua; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives value the work of dedicated educators in the Palmetto State, who devote themselves to our youth by helping them to prepare to become productive citizens, especially educators like Dr. George E. Hicks. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Reverend Dr. George E. Hicks for fifty years of service to educational excellence and extend best wishes for much success in all his future endeavors.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Dr. George E. Hicks.

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