PRO-2019-025 Proclamation Recognizing Katherine Cheek

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING KATHERINE CHEEK WHEREAS , Katherine " Kat " Thompson Wilkerson - Cheek was born in Orange County ; and WHEREAS , she has been a driving force within the community and especially the Schley Grange organization ; and WHEREAS , Katherine assumed the role as president of the Schley Grange in 1983 when it had only six active members ; and WHEREAS , under her leadership , the Schley Grange became the largest Grange in the State of North Carolina with more than 150 members ; and WHEREAS , the Schley Grange was built in 1948 using funds that the Grange won in a contest to receive a $ 50 , 000 prize from Sears & Roebuck ; and WHEREAS , the Grange being in disarray at her start as president , Katherine led fundraising to return the hall to its former glory serving as a meeting place for many community events ; and WHEREAS , under her leadership , the Grange added its dictionary program that has delivered over 10 , 000 dictionaries to third graders in Orange County Schools ; and WHEREAS , the Grange has promoted rural agriculture as a strong supporter of the FFA/4 - H Junior Livestock Show , now in the 73rd consecutive year ; as well as hosting numerous sessions of the Orange County Agricultural Summit ; and WHEREAS , Katherine is one of the few women in the nation who served as president of a Grange Chapter ; and WHEREAS , including the 36 years since she first became president of the Schley Grange , Katherine Cheek has helped to improve the quality of life in Orange County ; NOW THEREFORE , BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners recognizes and expresses its deep appreciation and respect for the services rendered by Katherine Thompson Wilkerson - Cheek and wishes her well in her retirement . This the 2nd day of December 2019 . Penny Rich , Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners