TO CONGRATULATE MR. PAUL EDWARD RISINGER, RETIRED EDUCATOR AND ADMINISTRATOR, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS INDUCTION INTO THE AIRPORT HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATOR HALL OF FAME, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina General Assembly honors those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of this great State's citizenry; and
Whereas, Columbia native Paul Edward Risinger stands among their number as an outstanding public benefactor, one much admired in his role as both educator and administrator; and
Whereas, born in 1937, young Paul grew up in the Eau Claire area, graduating from Eau Claire High School in 1955. In preparation for his life's work, he earned his bachelor's degree in education and social studies at the University of South Carolina; and
Whereas, Mr. Risinger began his teaching career at Airport Junior High School in 1959, where he taught social studies and was chairman of the social studies department, Student Council advisor, and B-Team basketball coach; and
Whereas, because of an increase in population in the area, the district made the decision to make Airport a high school, beginning with the 1960-61 school year. Mr. Risinger served as assistant principal of Airport High School under George I. Pair until Mr. Pair's death in 1962. During these years, Mr. Risinger was actively involved in encouraging his students, including Senator Jake Knotts and Representative Mac Toole, to strive for academic excellence and life-long success; and
Whereas, Mr. Risinger served as acting principal until his credentials for certification as a school principal/administrator were completed; he then became full-time principal, proving himself instrumental in developing Airport as a high school while the student population and the curriculum continued to grow and the students received an excellent education; and
Whereas, he left Airport in 1966 for the State Department of Education but returned to Airport for another year as principal because he "missed interacting with students." He then served as principal of Edmunds High School in Sumter but returned after one year to his "home," Lexington District Two, as principal of Northside Middle School. For nine years following, he served as principal of Brookland-Cayce High School and in 1980 moved to the Lexington Two District Education Center, where he served in several capacities, including as coordinator of elementary and secondary education, assistant superintendent for instruction, and assistant superintendent of business management. Mr. Risinger was always willing to do whatever job came his way in order to serve his district and community. After he TRIED to retire, he was asked to serve in several other capacities, including as interim principal of Airport High School, interim principal of Brookland-Cayce High School, interim superintendent of Lexington District Two, and consultant for business management. Later, in retirement, he served for several years as associate head and assistant administrator for Glenforest School; and
Whereas, Senator Knotts and Representative Mac Toole, along with numerous others, consider Mr. Paul Risinger as a friend, a significant teacher, and a mentor in their lives. So many of his students remember the time when they first met Mr. Risinger, and they will never forget the impact that he made on their lives as students and future adults. These students attribute their personal goals and their desire to succeed to the contributions that Paul Risinger made in their lives. Admiration and love for Mr. Risinger as educator, role model, and friend still resonate today among his students, the Airport family; and
Whereas, Mr. Risinger still holds memberships in many professional organizations, including the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, the National Education Association and the South Carolina Education Association. He served as an officer of the B-C Association of Classroom Teachers, Executive Secretary of the South Carolina Association of Secondary Principals, member of the Supervisory Committee of the LexCo Federal Credit Union, and member and chairman of the State Secondary Committee of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; and
Whereas, Mr. Risinger said he is most proud of the beginning years at Airport High when the school was preparing a strong academic curriculum and still remembers the strength and loyalty of the Airport faculty, students, parents, and community. He loved watching his students grow, mature, and become solid citizens. He had faith in some of his students who did not have faith in themselves, and he inspired them and served as a mentor to them; and
Whereas, having made his mark and set the bar of achievement extraordinarily high in his profession, Mr. Risinger will be remembered with affection and gratitude by colleagues, students, parents, and legislative friends for years to come. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate Mr. Paul Edward Risinger, retired educator and administrator, upon the occasion of his induction into the Airport High School Educator Hall of Fame, commend him for his many years of dedicated public service, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Paul Edward Risinger.