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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DEBRA ANN SABB-KEELS FOR HER MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE C. E. MURRAY COMMUNITY AND TO THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Debra Ann Sabb-Keels, affectionately referred to as Molly; and
Whereas, Ms. Keels is the proud mother of three sons, Calvin Keels II (deceased), Kramer Keels, and Keaston Keels; and
Whereas, Ms. Keels grew up in Greeleyville with her five siblings, Roy, Ronnie, Clinton, Tracy, and Shaunna, in a home full of love but lacking in amenities, such as running water and electricity. However, her circumstances did not impede her desire to make life better for herself, as well as others; and
Whereas, Molly was an outstanding basketball player in junior high and high school, playing the point guard position, always on the starting lineup and earning MVP honors at all levels; and
Whereas, in spite of her family's tight financial circumstances, Molly's parents, Annie Ree Sabb Gamble and John Earl Gamble, along with her grandmother, Mary Jackson Sabb, encouraged her to pursue her education, and, after much hard work, she graduated in the top ten of the 1974 graduating class at C. E. Murray and attended Vorhees College, now Vorhees University, on an athletic scholarship in 1974; and
Whereas, during her time at Voorhees, she was recognized as the Best Defensive Player in basketball and Most Valuable Player in softball. Four years later she graduated with honors from Voorhees with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education; and
Whereas, after she began her teaching career, Ms. Keels attended the University of South Carolina and in 1990 graduated with a Master's Degree in library and information science; and
Whereas, Ms. Keels' teaching career began in 1978 and her coaching career began in 1979; and
Whereas, Ms. Keels has served in many capacities during her teaching and coaching career, demonstrating her untiring commitment to make her community a better place for all; and
Whereas, Ms. Keels has coached and mentored many young girls, teaching them life skills as well as basketball skills, earning their admiration and three coach of the year honors; and
Whereas, Ms. Keels' love for sports led her to become the first African American woman at C. E. Murray to become Athletic Director and to earn the honor of Athletic Director of the year for Region 7; and
Whereas, Ms. Keels serves her community as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the Order of the Eastern Star, Chair of the Williamsburg County Library Board, Chair of Greeleyville Main Street Advisory Board, and former member of Greeleyville Town Council; and
Whereas, in recognition of Ms. Keels' dedicated service to her students and her community, C. E. Murray High School will re-name its gymnasium in her honor; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that Debra Ann Sabb-Keels has shown in serving the people 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, recognize and honor Debra Ann Sabb-Keels for her many contributions to the C. E. Murray community and to the people and the State of South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Debra Ann Sabb-Keels.
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