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TO HONOR DR. DANIEL W. BLUE, JR., EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DILLON COUNTY FIRST STEPS, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO EXPRESS DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HIS SIXTEEN YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE CHILDREN OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO OFFER BEST WISHES FOR MUCH SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
Whereas, since September 18, 2000, Dr. Daniel W. Blue, Jr., has committed his time to assisting parents in obtaining a quality education for their children through school readiness services. After sixteen years of dedicated service, Dr. Blue will retire on January 30, 2017; and
Whereas, as executive director of Dillon County First Steps, Dr. Blue counted among his duties working to improve the health of young children, supporting parents in their goal to serve as their children's first and best teachers, and promoting early education programs and quality pre-kindergarten choices for families, all for the purpose of increasing educational opportunities for the children of Dillon; and
Whereas, born in Dillon on April 22, 1939, Dr. Blue graduated from Gordon High School in 1956. In 1960, he graduated from Claflin University in Orangeburg. Later, he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, where he obtained his master's degree in public administration in 1977. In 1981, he earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the same institution; and
Whereas, Dr. Blue began his long, varied career by serving as a special education teacher in Newark, New Jersey. He spent many years working in New Jersey, Chicago, and Atlantic Beach in various roles, including his employment in Newark, where he served as chief of staff to the mayor, executive director of the Housing Authority for the city, and president and owner of the Dillon Security Company. Eventually, he decided to return to his roots in Dillon and began his role as executive director for Dillon County First Steps; and
Whereas, Daniel Blue has always believed strongly in personal involvement with his community, and his convictions have led him to serve that community in numerous capacities. These include membership in the Marion County Economic Development Commission, Marion County Healthcare Systems, Mullins Chamber of Commerce, National Black Public Relations Society, and Marion County Human Relations Commission. He is also a lifetime member of the NAACP, and he holds posts as Marion County NAACP Branch president and Dillon County Community Council president; and
Whereas, formerly, he has served in such roles as founder and president of the Human and Civil Rights Association of New Jersey and president of the New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, and United Community Corporation; and
Whereas, Dr. Blue finds strength for his labors in the strong support of his beautiful wife, Susie, and their two delightful children, Daniel III and Susan Danielle; and
Whereas, the Senate is grateful for the legacy of dedication and service Dr. Daniel Blue has given to the children of Dillon. It is with great regret that his many admirers will watch him hang up his hat, but all who know him take great pleasure in wishing him much enjoyment in his well-deserved retirement. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor Dr. Daniel W. Blue, Jr., executive director of Dillon County First Steps, on the occasion of his retirement, express deep appreciation for his sixteen years of distinguished service to the children of South Carolina, and offer best wishes for much success and fulfillment in the years ahead.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Daniel W. Blue, Jr.
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