A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE AND COMMEND THE HONORABLE J. BENJAMIN "BEN" CONNELL ON HIS MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS AND TO WISH HIM CONTENTMENT AND SUCCESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, for two years, the Honorable J. Benjamin "Ben" Connell with faithful integrity has represented the citizens of Kershaw County's District 52 in this great state's House of Representatives; and

Whereas, born in 1982, Ben Connell is the son of Joseph and Kerry Connell; and

Whereas, in preparation for his life's work, the young Ben earned his bachelor's degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2007, followed by a Juris Doctor in 2010; and

Whereas, this resident of Lugoff serves his community as an attorney at Connell Law Firm, LLC. Well-respected by both his colleagues and members of his community, he was selected to participate in the South Carolina Bar Leadership Academy, Young Lawyers Division, for 2014-2015; and

Whereas, Representative Connell strongly believes in active community involvement, and he puts his convictions into action by serving his community and beyond in various capacities. Ben is past president of the Kershaw County Bar Association, member of the Kershaw County Public Facilities Corporation Board, past adjunct professor at the Charleston School of Law (2013), past performer with the Charleston Men's Chorus, current performer with the Renaissance Vocal Group, patriotic soloist for various events throughout South Carolina, and a former missionary with his church; and

Whereas, during his time of service in the House of Representatives, Ben Connell has proven his worth as a member of the Judiciary Committee. Prior to taking up his duties in the House, he served as a Kershaw County councilman (District Three, 2016-2022); and

Whereas, Ben finds strength for his labors in the solid support of his family: his beautiful wife, Kristin; and their three delightful children, Annabelle, Alexis, and Bennett; and

Whereas, understanding that Ben Connell plans to retire as a House member at the end of his present term of office, his colleagues in the House of Representatives wish to thank him for his strong dedication to the people of District 52 and extend sincere good wishes for all the best life has to offer in the coming years. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate and commend the Honorable J. Benjamin "Ben" Connell on his meritorious service in the South Carolina House of Representatives over the past two years and wish him contentment and success in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Honorable J. Benjamin "Ben" Connell.

----XX----