HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2019-025 Proclamation Recognizing Katherine Cheek 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