A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Dr. Craig Derek Wheatley, A TEACHER of Psychology, Sociology, and United States Government AT White Knoll High SCHOOL IN Lexington School District One, AND TO CONGRATULATE Him FOR BEING NAMED THE SCHOOL'S TEACHER OF THE YEAR for the 2023-2024 school year.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that Dr. Craig Wheatley will serve as the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year at White Knoll High School in Lexington School District One; and

Whereas, intended to showcase outstanding professional educators who exemplify the ideals of the educational profession and whose efforts and example have inspired others, the Teacher of the Year Program recognizes  teachers who demonstrate exemplary leadership and excellence in teaching; and

Whereas, born in West Columbia, Dr. Wheatley graduated from Chapin High School and earned the prestigious Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America. In preparation for his life's career, he earned a bachelor's degree in history and a minor in education from Newberry College, a master's degree in educational technology from the University of South Carolina, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University; and

Whereas, he has been a teacher at White Knoll High School since 2009, with an emphasis on social studies instruction. Currently teaching psychology, sociology, and United States government courses, he also has taught United States history and economics at White Knoll, and he served as the high school's lead teacher for United States history from 2011 to 2017; and

Whereas, a dedicated educator outside the classroom, Dr. Wheatley served as the White Knoll High School Student Government junior class advisor from 2009 to 2010, as the school's Student Government senior class advisor from 2010 to 2011, and as the head advisor of the Student Government Association since 2011.  He also served as chairman of the White Knoll High School Principal Investiture Committee; and

Whereas, in addition, he has served his community as a member of the Friends of the Lexington County Museum Board, and as a faithful member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in many capacities. He has a Tae Kwon Do first degree black belt; and

Whereas, Dr. Wheatley has enhanced his education by attending the 2012 Supreme Court Summer Institute Washington, D.C. He has volunteered as a host teacher for student teachers from the University of South Carolina, and he served on the Lexington School District One Curriculum Unit Plan Advisory Committee in the summer of 2014, and as the 2016 and 2017 director for Lex1 State Camp through the Lexington One Career Services; and

Whereas, Dr. Wheatley's outstanding service has been recognized by the University of South Carolina chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2013 and 2014 as the Chapter Teacher of the Year.  He is a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, and Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society.  He was named the 2012-2013 White Knoll High School Teacher of the Year; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives value the work of dedicated educators in the Palmetto State who devote themselves to our youth by helping them to prepare to become productive citizens, and especially teachers like Craig Wheatley, whose outstanding service has been honored by his fellow teachers.  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 Dr. Craig Derek Wheatley, a teacher of psychology, sociology, and United States Government at White Knoll High School in Lexington School District One, and congratulate him for being named the school's Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Craig Derek Wheatley.

----XX----