TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR RICHARD STILTON HAGINS OF KERSHAW COUNTY UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS DIRECTOR OF SALKEHATCHIE-WATEREE CAMP AND TO THANK HIM FOR HIS TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SELFLESS SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF KERSHAW COUNTY.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina General Assembly honors individuals who freely give of their time and resources for the good of others; and

Whereas, Richard Stilton Hagins, camp director of Salkehatchie-Wateree in Kershaw County, has contributed valuable service to the citizens of the Palmetto State and is thereby worthy of praise; and

Whereas, for twenty-five years, Richard Hagins has served as director of Salkehatchie-Wateree Camp and in that position has worked countless hours on major home repairs for more than two hundred families living in poverty; and

Whereas, in addition, he has provided an important and challenging youth ministry for over eighteen hundred teenagers and adults during the past quarter century; and

Whereas, with the help of his beloved wife, the late Sara Mangum Hagins, Richard founded Salkehatchie-Wateree, part of the South Carolina United Methodist Church's Salkehatchie Summer Service and the Weatherization and Repair Ministry, which includes fourteen local churches that work together each year. Under his leadership, this ministry has impacted more than five hundred needy families in Kershaw County. In order to accomplish the ministry's goals, Richard has worked hard to bring Christians together to assist these families; and

Whereas, his service is not limited to the outstanding work he has done through Salkehatchie-Wateree; rather, over the years, Richard has worn several well-fitting hats in both professional and volunteer capacities. This tireless humanitarian has served as an engineer for DuPont, church youth leader, Sunday School teacher, and volunteer for United Way and Habitat for Humanity; and

Whereas, on the home front, Richard and Sara proudly raised four lovely daughters, who have given their parents the joy of eleven grandchildren; and

Whereas, the General Assembly recognizes 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 Richard Hagins who use their talents and resources to serve others. Grateful for his exemplary service to the people of South Carolina, particularly those of Kershaw County, the members wish him all the best as he steps down from his post as director of Salkehatchie-Wateree Camp. 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, recognize and honor Richard Stilton Hagins of Kershaw County upon the occasion of his retirement as director of Salkehatchie-Wateree Camp and thank him for his twenty-five years of selfless service to the people of Kershaw County.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Richard Hagins.