TO COMMEND MRS. JENNIFER AINSWORTH, SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER AT SOCASTEE HIGH SCHOOL IN HORRY COUNTY, FOR HER COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING QUALITY EDUCATION FOR THE CHILDREN OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO CONGRATULATE HER UPON BEING NAMED THE 2014-2015 SOUTH CAROLINA TEACHER OF THE YEAR.
Whereas, it is with distinct pleasure that the South Carolina General Assembly recognizes educators who approach teaching with passion, creativity, and infectious enthusiasm, along with appropriate academic preparation for their fields; and
Whereas, Mrs. Jennifer Ainsworth, an outstanding special education teacher at Socastee High School in Horry County, richly deserves the honor of being named the 2014-2015 South Carolina Teacher of the Year on April 23, 2014; and
Whereas, in preparation for her life's work, Mrs. Ainsworth graduated from Presbyterian College in 1994 and later earned National Board Certification. While an undergraduate, she volunteered to work with the Special Olympics and, in so doing, discovered her life's calling to work in special education. At that time, she changed her major to follow her heart; and
Whereas, the first educator to bring the state Teacher of the Year title home for Horry County Schools, Mrs. Ainsworth teaches Socastee High's mild-to-moderate special needs class, with students from ages fourteen to twenty-one who are learning work skills, life skills, and academics in order to be productive citizens; and
Whereas, she is known for her passion and dedication to her students and for going "above and beyond" to provide them with opportunities for recreation and participation in the community; and
Whereas, her new title earned Mrs. Ainsworth twenty-five thousand dollars and a new BMW to use for one year. During 2014-2015, she will participate in a one-year residency program at the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement and serve as a statewide ambassador for her profession; and
Whereas, the General Assembly, with great admiration and appreciation, is pleased to honor this exceptional educator and daughter of South Carolina, Jennifer Ainsworth, as the Palmetto State's 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year, and the members join with her colleagues, students, family, and friends in extending best wishes for great success during her tenure as South Carolina's ambassador for public education. 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, commend Mrs. Jennifer Ainsworth, special education teacher at Socastee High School in Horry County, for her commitment to providing quality education for the children of South Carolina and congratulate her upon being named the 2014-2015 South Carolina Teacher of the Year.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Mrs. Jennifer Ainsworth.