TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR PRISCILLA DRAKE, PRINCIPAL OF WHALE BRANCH EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL, UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-FOUR YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE, AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives has learned that Priscilla Drake will begin a well-deserved retirement after thirty-four years as an outstanding educator in the Orangeburg and Beaufort County school districts, the last years of which have been as a distinguished and highly-regarded principal at Whale Branch Early College High School. Her career will be celebrated by friends, coworkers, and family members at a retirement party in her honor in Seabrook on Saturday, June 6, 2015; and

Whereas, a native of Summerville, she is the oldest daughter of Malachi and Maggie Perry, and she graduated from Summerville High School; and

Whereas, in preparation for her life's work, Mrs. Drake earned a bachelor's degree in business education from South Carolina State University and a master's degree in secondary education administration from the University of South Carolina; and

Whereas, at the beginning of her career as an educator, she taught business education at Holly Hill Roberts High School and then continued at Battery Creek High School and Lady's Island Middle School, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year; and

Whereas, Mrs. Drake served as principal of Lady's Island Middle School and St. Helena Elementary School, and she is currently the principal of Whale Branch Early College High School; and

Whereas, she was one of the pioneers of the Humanities School of Beaufort, where she taught and served as an administrator; and

Whereas, together with her beloved husband, Nathaniel Drake, Sr., she has reared two fine children, Mahlon Drake and Nathaniel Drake, Jr.; and

Whereas, Mrs. Drake began her Christian walk at Sand Hill United Methodist Church and is now a member of Bethesda Christian Fellowship of St. Helena Island under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Kenneth C. Doe; and

Whereas, her motto in life, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," encourages and enables her to provide the necessary environment and support system to help children work to reach their highest potential; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the years of unparalleled dedication that Priscilla Drake has devoted to education in the Palmetto State and wish her many years of enjoyment in her well-earned retirement. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize and honor Priscilla Drake, Principal of Whale Branch Early College High School, upon the occasion of her retirement after thirty-four years of exemplary 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 Priscilla Drake.