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DURING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, TO CELEBRATE DR. MONIFA BELLINGER MCKNIGHT FOR HER GROUNDBREAKING APPOINTMENT AS THE FIRST FEMALE AND SECOND AFRICAN AMERICAN SUPERINTENDENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN MARYLAND AND SALUTE HER FOR REMAINING GROUNDED IN THE VALUES WHICH THE ORANGEBURG COMMUNITY INCULCATED IN HER THROUGHOUT HER DECADES OF SERVICE TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.
Whereas, Dr. Monifa Bellinger McKnight was born and raised in Orangeburg, proudly having attended the community's schools, worshiped in its churches, and contributed to its civic life; and
Whereas, after graduating from South Carolina State University, Dr. McKnight embarked on an illustrious career as an educator, during which she has served generations of students as an English teacher, assistant principal, middle school principal, central office administrator, deputy superintendent, and superintendent of schools; and
Whereas, in recognition of her dynamic educational vision and formidable leadership, Dr. McKnight has won numerous awards, including being honored as the 2015 Maryland Middle School Principal of the Year by the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals and as the 2015 Maryland State Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals; and
Whereas, growing up in Orangeburg, the community instilled in Dr. McKnight the fierce work ethic, deep commitment to service, and generosity of spirit that she has relied on throughout her career; and
Whereas, Women's History Month is an appropriate time to reflect on and celebrate the innumerable contributions and achievements that women from all walks of life have made to our society, especially those women who support our children and families; and
Whereas, on February 8, 2022, Dr. McKnight was named as the next superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, one of the largest and most renowned school districts in the United States; and
Whereas, Dr. McKnight's historic appointment shatters a glass ceiling as she becomes the district's first female superintendent, as well as the district's second African American superintendent; and
Whereas, as she assumes her new role, Dr. McKnight serves as an inspiration for Orangeburg and South Carolina communities, and in particular for women, African Americans, children, and aspiring educators. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, during Women's History Month, celebrate Dr. Monifa Bellinger McKnight for her groundbreaking appointment as the first female and second African American superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland and salute her for remaining grounded in the values which the Orangeburg community inculcated in her throughout her decades of service to children and families.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Monifa Bellinger McKnight.
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