A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR CARLOS WASHINGTON FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF FLORENCE COUNTY AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, it is a great pleasure to recognize those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of the Palmetto State's citizenry. Carlos Washington of Florence County, having spent his life working to enhance the lives of others, exemplifies such South Carolinians; and

 

Whereas, Carlos Washington's contributions to his community have been many and varied. His voice was one of the first to promote the establishment of Virtus Academy, a K-12 charter school in Florence. He continues his efforts there as the remaining founding board member. In addition, he serves on the boards of the School Foundation and Salvation Army, and his past service includes work with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice Advisory Board and the Florence Junior Football League; and

 

Whereas, he has not gone unappreciated. Most recently, he was named 2023 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Champion for Youth. Fred Carter, president of Francis Marion University and the 2005 recipient of this honor, had these words of praise for Carlos Washington: "Simply put, no one in this community is more deserving of our respect for nurturing our sons and daughters in athletic competition." At the presentation of the award, which was part of the 2023 Champions for Youth Tribute, hundreds turned out to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee and to express their appreciation for Mr. Washington, who has spent decades serving the community and its youth; and

 

Whereas, in his service to children and teens, he has focused most often on serving through basketball and, more specifically, serving through his mentorship. His professional career has spanned thirty-two years with the City of Florence Fire Department. While there, he began his career mentoring and coaching youth in the recreation leagues throughout Florence; and

 

Whereas, in 2003, at the request of the City of Florence, he volunteered to establish the Florence International Basketball Association (FIBA) to allow youth from the Florence community to participate in the 2004 Children's International Games in Cleveland, Ohio. Serving as the chief executive officer of FIBA since that time, he has continued to grow the organization, which is now one of the premier travel basketball programs in eastern South Carolina. His teams have traveled both nationally and internationally; and

 

Whereas, Carlos Washington finds his greatest cheerleader in his wife, Everlena. Grateful for her love and support, he acknowledges that none of what he has been able to do would have been possible without her; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate recognizes that the success of this great State, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Carlos Washington who use their talents and resources to serve others. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Carlos Washington for his many years of dedicated community service to the people of Florence County and extend best wishes as he continues to serve in the years ahead.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Carlos Washington.

----XX----