Committee Report

May 09, 2023

H. 4444

Introduced by Reps. Mitchell, Yow, Connell, Wheeler and B. Newton

S. Printed 05/09/23--H.

Read the first time May 04, 2023

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The committee on House Invitations and Memorial Resolutions

To who was referred a Concurrent Resolution (H. 4444) to request the Department of Transportation name the bridge that crosses Little Lynches River along United States Highway 1 in Kershaw County "Aaron Hough Memorial, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

DENNIS MOSS for Committee.

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A concurrent RESOLUTION

to request the department of transportation name the bridge that crosses little lynches river along united states highway 1 in kershaw county "aaron hough memorial bridge" and erect appropriate signs or markers at this location containing these words.

Whereas, born on August 31, 1940, Aaron Hough was the last of thirteen children born to Reverend Purdy and Christine Kelly Hough. He accepted Christ at the age of seven at Belmont Baptist Church in Westville and accompanied his father as he traveled and preached in communities throughout Kershaw County; and

Whereas, Mr. Hough graduated from Jackson High School in 1958 and continued his education at Benedict College in Columbia, where he graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. It also was at Benedict where he cut the lunch line and met Martha Jefferson. Following college, he returned to Jackson High as an algebra teacher, and in 1964, he was united in marriage to Ms. Jefferson, a union that would last for fifty-six years and which produced three children - Marsha, Amy, and Matthew; and

Whereas, he went on to earn a master's degree in mathematics from South Carolina State University and to have a decades-long career as a high school teacher and principal in the Kershaw County school district. As principal of Bethune High School from 1993 to 1999, Mr. Hough received four state school incentive rewards, successfully oversaw the closing of a school, and designed a final year curriculum that allowed high school juniors who wanted a diploma from Bethune to graduate early; and

Whereas, he served as principal at North Central High from 1981 to 1992, received the principals' incentive reward three consecutive years for outstanding student achievement, earned a state school incentive award, employed an outstanding faculty and staff, developed a competitive athletic program, obtained support for the construction of an athletic stadium, was honored with the Kershaw County School District's Outstanding Administrator Award, and established "Hough's Pride" conflict resolution peer mediation program. He retired after forty-six years of service; and

Whereas, among the many hats worn by Mr. Hough were devoted servant to New Hope Baptist Church where over the years he served as trustee, deacon, Sunday School superintendent and teacher, and choir leader. As a community leader, he served on the Kershaw County Hospital board of trustees, Kershaw County Library board, United Way board, and the Kershaw County Planning Commission. He was a lifelong member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, a member of the Bethune Lions Club, and a member of Hadoth Lodge #250, receiving its Past Worshipful Master award in 2017 in recognition of thirty years of service as lodge treasurer; and

Whereas, he often told his children and colleagues, "People don't care how much you know until you know how much you care." On March 30, 2021, his earthly journey completed, Mr. Hough entered peacefully into eternal rest at Kershaw Health in Camden; and

Whereas, it would be fitting and proper to honor Mr. Aaron Hough, a native son who lived a life of public service devoted to God, family, and his community by naming a bridge in Kershaw County in his memory. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request the Department of Transportation name the bridge that crosses Little Lynches River along United States Highway 1 in Kershaw County "Aaron Hough Memorial Bridge" and erect appropriate signs or markers at this location containing these words.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.

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