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TO HONOR GEORGE KENNY OF CHARLESTON FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE AS AN EDUCATOR AND HIS OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A MUSICIAN AND TO WISH HIM MUCH CONTINUED SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
Whereas, it is a great pleasure to recognize those individuals who give of themselves to the welfare of this great state's citizenry. George "Doc" Kenny of Charleston, having spent his life educating the children of South Carolina and enhancing the lives of its people through his music, exemplifies such South Carolinians; and
Whereas, throughout the facing of difficult challenges and sacrifices, Mr. Kenny has been an exceptional leader who continues to epitomize the fundamental truth that teachers who love their profession and believe in their students can make a difference; and
Whereas, George Kenny grew up in Charleston and graduated from Burke High School, where he was the lead trumpet player in the school band. After graduation, he served his country as a member of the United States Air Force Band during the Korean War. He was later promoted as a noncommissioned officer; and
Whereas, upon leaving the United States Air Force Band, he enrolled at South Carolina State College and completed a bachelor's degree in music education. His band teaching assignments led him to Jenkins Orphanage, Lane High School, C.A. Brown High School, and Courtney Middle School. Inspiring many students to join the band program, he was the first band director at C.A. Brown, and together they made history on Charleston's East Side. Many of his band students made All-State Band and the Trident Honor Band, sponsored by Fox Music House, throughout his years as band director. His bands were heard throughout the streets of Charleston performing in many parades, as well as at numerous football games. He inspired many of his students to create their own bands; and
Whereas, George Kenny started the first high school stage band at Charleston's C.A. Brown in 1968. The stage band and concert bands performed at South Battery on the peninsula and in Mount Pleasant and served as the pit band for productions of My Fair Lady and Hello, Dolly! The latter, performed at the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium in 1970, enjoyed such a successful opening night that many patrons were not admitted to avoid violation of the Charleston Fire Code; and
Whereas, George Kenny has given much of his time, energy, money, talents, and dedication to developing generations of musicians, music educators, music lovers, band directors, college and university professors, and retired military bandsmen. Many of his former students are teaching and performing music. All of them received their humble beginnings from "Doc" Kenny, who tasked them to go throughout the world and make a difference; and
Whereas, after passing the torch of musical excellence to his mentees, George Kenny retired from the Charleston Public School System, knowing his students were in good hands. But music is in Doc's DNA. He continues to use his musical talents, playing frequently at establishments on King and Line streets in Charleston, in addition to taking on other engagements. He will go down in history as a great educator, a great mentor, and the smoothest tenor saxophonist known to Charleston; and
Whereas, the House recognizes that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like George Kenny who use their talents and resources to serve others. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor George Kenny of Charleston for his dedicated service as an educator and his outstanding accomplishments as a musician and wish him much continued success and fulfillment in the days ahead.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to George Kenny.
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