2006 -- S 2253

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LC01419

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2006

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING SHARON DARLING FOR HER LEADERSHIP IN THE FIELD OF

FAMILY LITERACY

     Introduced By: Senator Juan M. Pichardo

     Date Introduced: February 02, 2006

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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     WHEREAS, Literacy skills are essential for effective participation in our democracy, in

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the workplace, in the community and within family life. Evidence shows that low or minimal

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literacy skills can condemn entire families to isolation, poverty and dependence; and

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     WHEREAS, As the respected President and founder of the National Center for Family

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Literacy (NCFL), Ms. Darling has consistently demonstrated an abiding passion for leading

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students and families towards a brighter future. The noble mission of the NCFL is "to create

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educational and economic opportunity for the most at-risk children and parents"; and

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     WHEREAS, A graduate of the University of Louisville, Ms. Darling earned her Bachelor

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of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She continued her education, attaining a Master's

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Degree in Counselor Education and an advanced degree (Rank 1) in Educational Administration

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from Western Kentucky University. She also completed Post Graduate studies in Adult and

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Community Education at the University of Louisville and Morehead State University; and

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     WHEREAS, As a teacher, an administrator, and an educational entrepreneur, Sharon

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Darling's efforts and accomplishments have improved the educational experience for children and

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families in the state tenfold. She has served as an advisor to state leaders, policy makers,

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businesses and foundations. Her dedication to education and literacy has earned National and

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International acclaim, as well as the unqualified admiration and respect of all who have been

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privileged enough to work with her; and

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     WHEREAS, Ms. Darling was awarded the National Humanities Medal from the

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President and Mrs. Bush. She received the 2000 Razor Walker Award from the University of

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North Carolina and the Woman of Distinction Award from Birmingham Southern University. In

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addition to her numerous awards, she has been published frequently and serves on a variety of

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boards including the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, the National Fund for

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Excellence in American Indian Education and the Heart of America Foundation, to name just a

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few; and

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     WHEREAS, Sharon Darling has tirelessly supported, advocated and fought for the cause

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of family literacy. For the past three and a half decades she has dedicated her amazing talents and

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vast amounts of time teaching and helping students and their families to learn the value of

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knowledge through reading; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby recognizes and congratulates Sharon Darling for her many years of extraordinary service

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as an outstanding community advocate for Family Literacy. The membership, furthermore,

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wishes her much happiness and success in all her future endeavors; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Sharon Darling.

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LC01419

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