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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR CATHERINE POWELL MIDDLETON UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER 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 Catherine Powell Middleton for her significant contributions to the public schools of Charleston and the children they serve; and
Whereas, Catherine "Cathie" Middleton grew up in Pawley's Island. She graduated from Winthrop University after three years, and then began her career as an educator at Beck Middle/High School in Georgetown. She moved from Beck School to Bynum Elementary, and while there earned her master's degree in Early Education from USC Conway, now Coastal Carolina University; and
Whereas, in 1983, she moved with her husband Louis and two children Blake and Mary Catherine to Mount Pleasant. After her first day of interviews, Cathie was offered teaching positions at three schools. She chose to go to James B. Edwards Elementary School where she taught for seven years. During her time at Edwards, she was elected Teacher of the Year by the JBE faculty and went on to be one of the finalists for the entire school district; and
Whereas, after teaching at JBE, Cathie went to work at the district level as a Title 1 coordinator. During this time, she completed her master's degree in Elementary School Administration at The Citadel; and
Whereas, Cathie was chosen in 2000 by Jayne Ellicott to serve as assistant principal at Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary. The team of Ellicott and Middleton accrued many achievements during their time together. Their proudest accomplishment was when Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary received the Palmetto's Finest Award. This was the first major recognition Ashley River received as an arts school; and
Whereas, when the Charleston County School District decided to open an arts school in North Charleston, Cathie agreed to take on the task of being the principal of the new school while still working at Ashley River. In the early days of the now very esteemed North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary, Cathie drove through neighborhoods, knocked on doors, and met with countless community members to promote this new concept. Her days were long and she worked tirelessly to achieve success. North Charleston Creative Arts is a gem today and serves hundreds of children; and
Whereas, once North Charleston Creative Arts was up and running, Cathie returned to Ashley River Creative Arts as principal in 2013. Ashley River has flourished under her guidance. She is clear in her expectations and challenges teachers to maintain high goals. Programs, hallways, and curriculum have all grown with her leadership. The school has prospered and remains a top school in Charleston County and South Carolina; and
Whereas, as she leaves for retirement, Ashley River will not flounder. Her guidance and leadership have been firmly planted in the school's foundation. Her contributions will prosper and be remembered. Her love for the arts is apparent as you walk through the school and witness the activities and programs in place at Ashley River. Cathie will be missed by the staff, students, and families of Ashley River, both past and present; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the years of unparalleled dedication that Cathie has devoted to the children of Charleston and wish her many years of enjoyment in her well-earned retirement. 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 Catherine Powell Middleton upon the occasion of her retirement after years of exemplary service and wish her continued success and happiness in all her future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Catherine Powell Middleton.
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