TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR BURGESS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN HORRY COUNTY AND TO CONGRATULATE THE ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, STUDENTS, AND PARENTS FOR THE SELECTION OF THE SCHOOL AS A 2013 NATIONAL SCHOOL OF CHARACTER BY THE CHARACTER EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to learn that Burgess Elementary School in Myrtle Beach was named a 2013 National School of Character by the Character Education Partnership (CEP); and

Whereas, in 1998, the National School of Character program began as a joint effort between Business Week and McGraw Hill to honor schools that went beyond academics to engage the community to support parents in the all-important job of raising children with character; and

Whereas, a national advocate and leader for the character education movement based in the nation's capital, CEP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian coalition of organizations and individuals committed to fostering effective character education in American schools; and

Whereas, CEP recognized twenty-nine schools and districts in fifteen states for their commitment to character education and for fostering a positive environment for social and academic learning; and

Whereas, one of only eighteen public elementary schools chosen, Burgess Elementary will be featured at the National Forum on Character Education from October 24 through 27, 2013, in Washington, D. C., where leaders from winning schools will share their secrets to success; and

Whereas, Burgess Elementary followed CEP's process of applying to the program and submitted to the selection process to earn designation at the state level. Once the school received this designation, its application was forwarded to the national organization for consideration; and

Whereas, after an on-site visit from a CEP representative in March, Burgess Elementary was chosen as one of three schools in South Carolina to receive the award; and

Whereas, CEP selected the twenty-nine National Schools of Character from urban, suburban, and rural settings that demonstrated growth in terms of academics, behavior, and climate. Measurements used to determine this growth include increasing test scores or high test scores, reduction in disciplinary actions, and survey results which show that students feel safe and respected; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly appreciate the pride and recognition that Burgess Elementary School has brought to its community and look to hear of the school's continued accomplishments in the days ahead. 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 Burgess Elementary School in Horry County and congratulate the administration, faculty, students, and parents for the selection of the school as a 2013 National School of Character by the Character Education Partnership.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Principal Donna Hooks.