A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE JANET D'AGOSTINO OF YORK COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HER FOR THIRTY-ONE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE YOUTH OF SOUTH CAROLINA AS AN ENGLISH TEACHER, AND TO WISH HER FULFILLMENT AND EVERY HAPPINESS IN HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

 

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives honors those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of this great State's most important legacy, its children; and

 

Whereas, Janet D'Agostino, of York, who recently retired after thirty-one years as an English teacher, certainly stands among their number as an outstanding educator, one much admired in her roles as teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend; and

 

Whereas, born in Saluda, South Carolina, she is the daughter of the late David and Barbara Palmer and is the older of their two daughters; and

 

Whereas, Janet first became inspired to devote her life to teaching while attending Saluda High School and studying under Gloria Caldwell and the late Dr. Ruby P. "Bela" Herlong, who instilled in her a love of literature and a passion for sharing this love with others; and

 

Whereas, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1989 and a Master of Arts degree in English in 1990, both from Winthrop University. Thereafter, she began teaching at Clover High School, where she spent her entire career; 

 

Whereas, during her thirty-one years at Clover High School, she taught most every English course the school offered, including Remedial Reading I and II; Applied English IV; Practical English for 11th and 12th grades; General English for 11th and 12th grades; College Prep English IV; Honors English IV; AP Literature; Dual Enrollment English 101; the SAT/ACT prep course; and Initial Credit Online for English and SAT prep; and also taught both the HSAP prep course and Drama; and

 

Whereas, Janet's commitment to helping her students achieve success and develop pride in themselves and their work is wholly evident in all she did. Selflessly giving hundreds of thousands of hours of her own time over the years, she stopped at nothing to ensure the achievement of her students; and

 

Whereas, her classroom was a safe, inclusive place where her students felt encouraged and supported to reach their true potential; and

 

Whereas, committing thirty-one years to the families of Clover High School, she has become an indispensable member of the Clover family; and

 

Whereas, she was recognized for her commitment and dedication to educating students when she was voted Teacher of the Year for Clover High School in 2011; and

 

Whereas, a devoted wife and mother, she shares a loving marriage with Dan D'Agostino, and together they have two children, both graduates of Clover High School: Gabriel, a graduate student at Harvard University, and Michael, a student at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Her children honor her as their first and greatest teacher; and

 

Whereas, during her spare time, Janet enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, exercising, bird watching, and spending time with her canine companion, Freckles; and

 

Whereas, Janet has shared her time and talents in immeasurable ways and has touched the lives of countless children. It is indeed the honor of the members of the House of Representatives to laud her for her many contributions and accomplishments in a career well spent. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Janet D'Agostino of York County on the occasion of her retirement, commend her for thirty-one years of dedicated service to the youth of South Carolina as an English teacher, and wish her fulfillment and every happiness in her future endeavors.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Janet D'Agostino.

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