TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR KATHRYN ROGERS "KATHY" PADGETT, MANAGER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE TOUR OFFICE, UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN SIX YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE, AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives has learned that Kathryn Rogers "Kathy" Padgett will begin a well-deserved second retirement on April 30, 2021, after thirty-two years as an educator and more than six years as the highly-regarded manager of the South Carolina State House Tour Office; and

Whereas, a native of Marion, she is the daughter of Windell Cecil Rogers and the late Grace Brown Rogers. She earned a bachelor's degree from Clemson University in 1980, and a master's degree in remedial education from Francis Marion University in 1994; and

Whereas, from 1980 to 1981, Kathy Padgett was a writer and reporter for The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. She found her calling at Marion High School where she taught social studies from 1981 to 1999, coached varsity track and girls' varsity basketball for three years, and headed the Teacher Cadet program; and

Whereas, she taught social studies at Latta High School from 1999 to 2007, and at Dutch Fork High School from 2007 to 2013, where she headed the Freshman Success Program and Curriculum and was dedicated to encouraging students to vote and to providing them with voter education. In 2013, she retired after more than thirty years as a career educator; and

Whereas, during the course of her teaching career, she received several grants, including the Pee Dee Education Foundation Grant and the Education Improvement Act Grant. Other professional accolades and responsibilities included recipient of the S.C. Institute for Government and Political Science scholarship, membership in the Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers Sorority (Alpha Zeta Chapter), Who's Who Among American Teachers nominee, department head, Model UN sponsor, and Mock Trial coordinator; and

Whereas, in 2014, Kathy Padgett joined the State House Tour Office as a part-time tour guide and was promoted to the current role as State House Tour Office manager later that year. Her responsibilities have included managing the State House Tour Office and Gift Shop and their staff; scheduling and conducting engaging, informative tours for visitors from all over the state, country, and world; and coordinating tours for constituents and guests of legislators and Capitol Complex staff; and

Whereas, her supervisor, Ashley Berry, describes Kathy as one of her best hires ever, stating that "while she has been the manager I never had to worry about anything going on at the State House as I knew it was all taken care of." Coworkers add that Kathy is known and respected by legislators and staff throughout the Capitol Complex, loves the beautiful building and the history and the democratic institutions it represents, and is always quick to point out she is a proud native South Carolinian while giving tours; and

Whereas, together with her beloved husband, John Padgett, she reared two fine daughters, Anna Kathryn Padgett and Eva Blythe Padgett. In her retirement she looks forward to spending time at the South Carolina coast, gardening, and enjoying her beloved dogs, Murray and Belle; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives takes great pleasure in extending best wishes to Kathy Padgett as she transitions to a richly deserved retirement and the leisurely pace of the days ahead. 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 Kathryn Rogers "Kathy" Padgett, manager of the South Carolina State House Tour Office, upon the occasion of her retirement after more than six years of outstanding service, and wish her continued success and happiness in all her future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Kathryn Rogers "Kathy" Padgett.