A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR WILLIS SANDERS FOR HIS DEDICATED PUBLIC and COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO CELEBRATE HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives recognizes those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of this great state's citizenry. Having spent his life serving others, Willis Sanders exemplifies such South Carolinians; and

Whereas, born in 1949, Willis Sanders was the fifth of nine children. He grew up on a farm and worked in the family grocery store and dreamed of being an artist. Hard work, Christian values (nurtured at Jehovah AME Church), and the importance of an education were instilled in him by his parents; and

Whereas, after graduating from Central High School, he went on to receive degrees from Benedict College (bachelor's degree in math), South Carolina State University (master's degree in education), and The Citadel (specialist in education). While at Benedict, he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Further, he was a Ford Foundation Math Scholar at Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, and a Visiting International Principal Participant at Oxford University in England; and

Whereas, during his fourteen years as Sedgefield Middle School's principal, he used his artwork as a unique "Go for the Gold" incentive for students, faculty, staff, and parents. Countless drawings, paintings, and prints were given primarily to the students for their successes. As assistant superintendent for human resources for seventeen years, he continued to share his artwork with district staff, principals, teachers, school staff, students, local and national leaders, and charitable organizations; and

Whereas, in 2013, after forty-one years as a Berkeley County School District (BCSD) educator and administrator, he became an active community servant as a BCSD volunteer, as well as a board member for the Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Kennedy Center, and Berkeley County Sheriff Advisory Board; and

Whereas, now, as a full-time artist, he enjoys creating art using the abstract expressionistic style while listening to gospel and jazz music. As an exhibiting member and past president of the Goose Creek Artist Guild, he has won eighty-nine ribbons from juried art show competitions and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Alpha Phi Alpha Community Service Award (2019), National Council of Negro Women Community Servant Award (2016), Berkeley County School District (forty-year pin, 2013) Legacy Builder Award (2012), Carolina Camera's Principal by Day, Painter by Night award, South Carolina Middle School Principal of the Year award (bestowed by the South Carolina Art Educators Association, 1992), Alpha Kappa Alpha Community Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Arts (1994), and NAACP (Goose Creek Chapter) Community Service Award (2009, 2013). He has studied famous artists' works at countless major national and international museums in art-cultured cities such as Istanbul, Madrid, Montreal, Paris, Quebec, Rome, Toronto, and Vancouver; and

Whereas, this man of faith, a member of the Greater St. James AME Church in Summerville, models his motto, which is "Sharing Time, Talents, and Treasures Is the Heart of a Purposeful Life." His goal: to give God the glory, honor, and praise; and

Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Willis Sanders who use their talents and resources to serve others. Gratefully, the House acknowledges Mr. Sanders' invaluable and far-reaching contributions to the betterment 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, recognize and honor Willis Sanders for his dedicated public and community service to the people of South Carolina and celebrate his distinguished career.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Willis Sanders.

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