TO CONGRATULATE THE TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND STAFF OF WIL LOU GRAY OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL UPON THE OCCASION OF THE SCHOOL'S ONE-HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THEM FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO THEIR STUDENTS AND THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize the teachers, administrators, and staff of Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School as they celebrate this important milestone; and

Whereas, the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School in West Columbia is an alternative military-style school whose mission is to serve at-risk teenagers of South Carolina; and

Whereas, the school was established by Dr. Wil Lou Gray in 1921 and has since served over thirty-five thousand students. Dr. Gray founded the school because she saw the need for children to go to school after the planting and harvesting of crops; and

Whereas, the school became a state agency in 1957. In 1998, the school became a quasi-military school. Students attend free of charge and adhere to a curriculum designed to create a well-rounded, respectful, accountable graduate; and

Whereas, the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School is a fourteen-week overnight boarding school with an impressive graduation rate. Sixty-five percent of students join the workforce upon graduation, while twenty-five percent go to college and ten percent enlist in the armed services; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the teachers, administrators, and staff of Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School for their passion and dedication. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate congratulate the teachers, administrators, and staff of Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School upon the occasion of the school's one-hundredth anniversary and commended them for their dedicated service to their students and the people and the State of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School.