South Carolina H 4487: Judicial Merit Selection Commission reform

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 4487 Text of Previous Version (May. 06, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 4487

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A house RESOLUTION

to congratulate thelmer "T.m." Cook of fairfield 
county on the occasion of his ninety-fifth birthday and to wish him a joyous 
birthday celebration and continued health and happiness.

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina House of Representatives were delighted to learn that Thelmer 
"T.M." Cook of Fairfield County celebrated his ninety-fifth birthday on February 
7, 2025; and 

Whereas, born on February 7, 1930, 
in the midst of the Great Depression, T.M. has witnessed the many remarkable 
social changes, technological advancements, and international developments that 
have spanned the globe from that time into the first quarter of the 
twenty-first century; and

Whereas, born and 
raised on his family's farm, T.M. began his educational journey at New Hope 
School and graduated from Fairfield High School in Winnsboro. Committed to 
academic excellence and preparation for a career in education, he pursued 
higher learning at Allen University and later earned a master's degree in 
Elementary Supervision from South Carolina State University. His dedication to 
continued professional growth led him to further his studies at the University 
of South Carolina, the University of Florida, and Clemson University; and 

Whereas, throughout his 
distinguished career in public education, he served in numerous vital roles, 
including classroom teacher, teaching principal, supervising principal, school 
hearing officer, and as a reviewing member for the SC Association of School 
Administrators' prestigious Palmetto's Finest Award. His leadership was 
exemplified during his seven-year tenure as principal of Woodward Elementary 
School in Blackstock, followed by 26 years of dedicated service as principal of 
Geiger Elementary School in Ridgeway. Additionally, he contributed his 
expertise as interim principal at Kelly Miller Elementary School in Winnsboro 
for one year; and

Whereas, a lifelong public 
servant, T.M. was elected as a Fairfield County magistrate in 1970, becoming 
the first Black magistrate to serve in the county since the Reconstruction era. 
His dedication to civic leadership extended beyond the courtroom; he also 
served on the Fairfield County Council, the Selective Service Board, and the 
Fairfield County Council on Aging. In addition to his governmental service, T.M. 
was an active member of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of 
the World (I.B.P.O.E.W.). Deeply committed to his faith community, he served as 
Superintendent of Sunday School and was a respected member of the Trustee Board 
at his church; and 

Whereas, throughout his career, 
Mr. Cook was actively involved in numerous civic and community organizations, 
including the Medical Advisory Commission of Fairfield County, the National 
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the Fairfield 
County Progressive Citizens Organization. He also honorably served his country 
as a member of the United States Army and the South Carolina State Guard; and

Whereas, it is a great 
pleasure to honor this son of South Carolina at the celebration of his ninety-fifth 
birthday, and it is a further pleasure to join with his family and friends in 
congratulating him on reaching this important life milestone. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House 
of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate 
Thelmer "T.M." Cook of Fairfield County on the occasion of his ninety-fifth 
birthday and wish him a joyous birthday celebration and continued health and 
happiness.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution 
be presented to Mr. Thelmer "T.M." Cook.

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This web page was last updated on May 06, 2025 at 01:28 PM