A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE LAWSON CANNON, KNOWLTON CARTER, WAYDE INGRAM, AND RAYVON KERSEY, STUDENTS AT WALKER GAMBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, ON WINNING THE 2026 CHILDREN'S BOOK CHALLENGE SPONSORED BY SANTEE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE AND THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, sponsored by Santee Electric Cooperative and the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, the 2026 Children's Book Challenge invited fourth and fifth grade students from across the State to write and illustrate a children's book that focused on a day in the life of a line worker; and

 

Whereas, Job Shadowing a Lineman, a book written and illustrated by Lawson Cannon, Knowlton Carter, Wayde Ingram, and Rayvon Kersey, all of whom are students at Walker Gamble Elementary School, were selected as winners of the statewide competition's group division; and

 

Whereas, Job Shadowing a Lineman tells the story of Jaden who spends a day job shadowing his father, a lineman. In the book, Jaden learns about the safety gear, tools, and hard work required to maintain electrical systems and keep the power running in his community; and

 

Whereas, the four students split a five-hundred-dollar prize, and their book will be printed and mailed to elementary schools throughout South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Lauren Kinlaw, a teacher at Walker Gamble Elementary School, let the students know about the competition and helped them get started. Ms. Kinlaw received a two-hundred-fifty-dollar prize; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina's electric cooperatives have been committed to powering rural communities since 1938. This concern for communities and the future of youth has been carried forward to today. By inspiring students to learn more about energy, South Carolina's electric cooperatives hope to spark a passion for critical thinking in the minds of tomorrow's leaders; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly takes great pleasure in recognizing these fine students at Walker Gamble Elementary School on their great achievement, and the members expect to hear of their continued success in the years ahead. 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, congratulate Lawson Cannon, Knowlton Carter, Wayde Ingram, and Rayvon Kersey, students at Walker Gamble Elementary School, on winning the 2026 Children's Book Challenge sponsored by Santee Electric Cooperative and the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Walker Gamble Elementary School.

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