A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Mr. Joseph reynolds, Sr.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Mr. Joseph Reynolds, Sr. for his lifetime of service to education and the citizens and State of South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, a native of Calhoun Falls, Mr. Reynolds was born on January 4, 1923 to parents Reverend Spearman and Mrs. Grace Reynolds. He graduated from Abbeville County Training School in 1941; and

 

Whereas, a veteran of the United States Air Force, Mr. Reynolds served for three years; and

 

Whereas, after his honorable discharge, Mr. Reynolds returned to Allen University to complete his studies. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1948. In 1955, he graduated from the Master of Education Administration program at Columbia University in New York City; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Reynolds is a charter member of the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was known by his school peers as an outstanding scholar who inspired others to perform well in and outside the classroom; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Reynolds began his career in the field of education as a high school English teacher. After only one year of teaching, his leadership and dedication to education led him to be hired as the school's principal. He served as Principal Reynolds from 1952 until 1972; and

 

Whereas, in 1972, Abbeville County entered the school integration process and Mr. Reynolds was named principal of Carver Middle School. He was instrumental in the successful transition of children, teachers, and parents. He led transition teams on race relations, education excellence, and community empowerment; and

 

Whereas, in 1974, Carver School received school accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, as testament to Mr. Reynolds' leadership; and

 

Whereas, in 1984, the Abbeville County Board of Commissioners voted to close Caver Middle School due to a decline in student population in grades fifth through eighth. Mr. Reynolds was then named principal of Due West Elementary, serving grades K through six. He retired in 1992; and

 

Whereas, in addition to serving on numerous state and local boards and committees, Mr. Reynolds was an educator in Abbeville County School District for forty-six years and a member of the Abbeville County School Board of Commissioners for twenty-two years; and

 

Whereas, on October 25, 2016, at the age of ninety-three, Mr. Reynolds retired from his active role on the Abbeville County School Board of Commissioners; and

 

Whereas, on January 22, 2017, Governor Nikki Haley awarded Mr. Reynolds The Order of the

Silver Crescent Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to the state of South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, in March of 2023, Mr. Reynolds received the Erskine College Honorary Alumni Award. A quiet supporter of Erskine, he mentored students and assisted them in applying, collaborated with Erskine's professors to ensure student opportunities, and encouraged participation in events; and

 

Whereas, on January 4, 2023, Mr. Reynolds turned one hundred one years old. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. with seventy-six years of active service; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Reynolds is married to the former Sylvenia Wardlaw of Seneca, who also served as an educator for thirty-six years. They have three children, Joseph, Jr., William, Sharon (Ivan) Earle, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that Mr. Reynolds has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Mr. Joseph Reynolds, Sr.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Joseph Reynolds, Sr.

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