A senate RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE david elliott sims UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT as the principal of Riverbank Elementary school, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS many YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE as an educator, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize David Sims upon the occasion of his retirement as Principal of Riverbank Elementary School on June 30, 2024; and

Whereas, Mr. Sim's retirement will be celebrated at an event on May 13, 2024; and

Whereas, a native of Heath Springs, Mr. Sims was born to parents Elliott and Ruth Sims. He is an alumnus of the University of South Carolina, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in physical education and a Master of Arts in education; and

Whereas, Mr. Sims began his career in education as a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Cayce School in 1987. In August of 1988, he began teaching fifth grade at R. Earle Davis Elementary School; and

Whereas, in 1998, Mr. Sims began his administrative work as the assistant principal at Saluda River Academy for the Arts. He became the Saluda River Academy for the Arts principal in 2001; and

Whereas, in 2006, Mr. Sims moved to the principal role at Northside Middle School, and in 2012 he became Pineview Elementary School's principal. In 2018, he moved to his final role as the principal of Riverbank Elementary School; and

Whereas, during his time in the education field, Mr. Sims has participated in the South Carolina Reading Initiative and has been a member of the Columbia Area Reading Council, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the Lions Club. He was also a Cubmaster for Pack 302; and

Whereas, Mr. Sims has served as a mentor to principals on behalf of the South Carolina Department of Education. He has mentored assistant principals in his district, four of whom went on to become principals themselves, and he became certified by the Center for Creative Leadership; and

Whereas, under his leadership, Saluda River Academy for the Arts became a fine arts school. He also assisted in the design and construction of Riverbank Elementary School; and

Whereas, over the years, Mr. Sims has received a number of honors and awards, including the Davis Elementary Teacher of the Year award in 1994 and the Who's Who Among America's Teachers award in 1998; and

Whereas, a devout Christian, he is a member of Kittiwake Baptist Church; and

Whereas, Mr. Sims will have been married to his wife, Patti, for thirty-four years on May 12, 2024. Together, they have two children, Griff (Casi) and Garrett (engaged to Olivia Flach); and

Whereas, in his free time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, visiting South Carolina State parks, gardening, Gamecock sports, reading, and, above all else, spending time with his family; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the passion and dedication that Mr. Sims has shown in serving the students and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate David Elliott Sims upon the occasion of his retirement as the principal of Riverbank Elementary School, commend him for his many years of dedicated service, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to David Sims.

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