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TO CONGRATULATE PAT G. SMITH, AGENCY DIRECTOR OF WIL LOU GRAY OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL, UPON THE OCCASION OF THE SCHOOL'S ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS FORTY-SIX YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE SCHOOL, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School is celebrating its one hundredth anniversary in 2021 and is further pleased to recognize Pat G. Smith for his many years of committed service as agency director of the school; and
Whereas, the first South Carolina opportunity schools were founded in 1921 by Dr. Wil Lou Gray. Currently, the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School in West Columbia is an alternative military-style school whose mission is to serve those citizens of South Carolina between sixteen and nineteen years of age who are at risk; and
Whereas, a native of Springdale, Mr. Smith is an alumnus of Anderson College, Newberry College, and the University of South Carolina; and
Whereas, in October 1975, he began his service at Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School as acting dean of students. Having served in that capacity until July 1978, he was promoted at that time to director of administration. In July 1997, he took up his duties as interim director and two years later was appointed agency director; and
Whereas, as a civic leader, Pat Smith served as mayor of the Town of Springdale for twenty-nine years (1985-2014), making him the longest-serving mayor in the town's history. During that time, he led numerous initiatives to enhance quality of life for both residents and businesses in Springdale. Mr. Smith also has served as president of the South Carolina Association of Regional Councils and the Lexington County Municipal Association and as a board member for many other community organizations. In December 2018, he began service as a commissioner of the Richland-Lexington Airport District; and
Whereas, over the years, he has received a number of honors and awards, including the Richard M. Kuffel Award for Excellence in Education and the Order of the Palmetto, the latter being South Carolina's highest civilian honor, presented in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions on a national or statewide scale; and
Whereas, Pat Smith finds strength for his labors in the firm support of his lovely wife, Rosalie Smith, as well as in that of two charming nieces he adores; and
Whereas, the House, appreciative of the passion, leadership, and commitment Pat Smith has bestowed on the people of this great State, takes great pleasure in saluting him for his longtime service to Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School and in celebrating the school for its century of service to South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Pat G. Smith, agency director of Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, upon the occasion of the school's one hundredth anniversary, commend him for his forty-six years of dedicated service to the school, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Pat G. Smith.
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