A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE JEAN MOREE GORTHY UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HER FOR HER FORTY 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. Aiken High School's Jean Moree Gorthy, retiring after forty fruitful years as a classroom teacher, stands among their number as an outstanding public benefactor, one much admired in her role as both educator and leader in her field; and

 

Whereas, the young Jean received her early teacher training at Colorado State University, graduating in 1986. In further pursuit of excellence, she earned National Board certification, and she has continued that certification to the present day; and

 

Whereas, in the fall of 1986, an eager first-year teacher, Mrs. Gorthy began her work as an educator with an assignment at Summerville Intermediate High School. Later, in 1991, she joined the faculty at Aiken High School, where in 2026 she concluded an honored public school teaching career of four decades as a culinary teacher; and

 

Whereas, long acknowledged as a master teacher, Jean Gorthy received public recognition of that mastery when she was named South Carolina ProStart Teacher of the Year, James Maynard Award Winner (National ProStart Teacher of the Year), and Aiken High School Teacher of the Year; and

 

Whereas, over the years, she has taught several classes: culinary, home economics, food and nutrition, hospitality and tourism, baking, and pastry arts. Additionally, she has grown the Aiken High culinary program into one of the best in the county, and she is recognized statewide by her peers; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Gorthy has held numerous leadership roles while at Aiken High, among them junior class faculty sponsor, member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Evaluation Planning Committee, head of the Aiken High School Career Technology Education Department, faculty head of the National Technical Honor Society, and Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) school sponsor. As FCCLA sponsor, she saw her students qualify for seven FCCLA national competitions. They also competed in many South Carolina FCCLA culinary competitions; and

 

Whereas, thousands of student lives have been positively touched and improved by her dedication, commitment, knowledge, and love. To honor Jean Gorthy for her many years of service, her colleagues will host a retirement celebration in her honor on May 31, 2026; and

 

Whereas, having set the bar of achievement high in her profession, Jean Gorthy 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 Jean Moree Gorthy upon the occasion of her retirement, commend her for her forty 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 Jean Moree Gorthy.

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