A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE Coastal Carolina University Inspirational Ambassadors Gospel Choir AT THE CELEBRATION OF ITS THIRTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED BLESSINGs IN ALL ITS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, in 1988, the Coastal Carolina University Gospel Choir was established under the direction of Carolyn Cox, Sheryl Randall, and Pat Singleton-Young. Since that time, the choir has been singing songs that honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The choir continues to seek the perpetuation of the tradition of gospel music and the recognition of the importance of gospel in the preservation of African American history; and

Whereas, during the 2008 spring semester, the choir's singers decided to give themselves a new name, the selected name being the Coastal Carolina University Inspirational Ambassadors Gospel Choir (CIA); and

Whereas, today, performing under the direction of Cameron Connor, this award-winning choir aspires to enhance the image of its university by serving as ambassadors in the local community and around the State. Celebrating thirty-five years of ministry and community work this year, the CIA continues to be a leading organization on campus and throughout the Horry County area. The more than twenty members of this dedicated ensemble hold as their theme scripture II Corinthians 5:20 (NIV): "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." Their motto: "We are more than a choir; we are a ministry"; and

Whereas, in 2018, the choir participated in, and won, the Best Adult Choir award in the Waves of Praise Gospel Fest of Myrtle Beach; in addition, the group was given a cash prize by Mayor Brenda Bethune of Myrtle Beach. Since then, the CIA has had the opportunity to perform with national gospel recording artists Jarell Smalls, Kelontae Gavin, Vincent Bohanan, and Melvin Crispell III; and

Whereas, in the works are plans to tour and minister in another state, where the choir hopes to draw younger students to Coastal Carolina University; and

Whereas, proud of the achievements of this fine group, the House of Representatives takes great pleasure in saluting the Coastal Carolina University Inspirational Ambassadors Gospel Choir for its musical excellence and for the blessing it is to the people of the Palmetto State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Coastal Carolina University Inspirational Ambassadors Gospel Choir at the celebration of its thirty-fifth anniversary and extend best wishes for continued blessings in all its future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Coastal Carolina University Inspirational Ambassadors Gospel Choir.

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