|
5A.
<br />PROCLAMATION
<br />HONORING WILLIAM "BILLY" WILSON, III
<br />WHEREAS, Indian River County celebrates African American Pioneers who, through their service in the
<br />business, public, and elected arenas, have paved the way for this and future generations; and
<br />WHEREAS, William "Billy" Wilson, III, was a lifelong resident of Indian River County, a loyal husband, father
<br />of two accomplished sons, and gifted multi -sport athlete and coach; and
<br />WHEREAS, Billy was a member of the Vero Beach High School Class of 1981; subsequently matriculated
<br />at Florida A&M University, where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education
<br />and received further acclaim for both his athletic skill and sportsmanship; and, in 1993, earned his Master's in
<br />Educational Leadership from Nova University; and
<br />WHEREAS, Billy returned to Vero Beach in 1986, where he served as Dean of Students and taught physical
<br />education and driver's education until his 1994 promotion to assistant principal as a founding staff member at
<br />Sebastian River High School, finally retiring in 2020 after a 26 -year career at the campus; and
<br />WHEREAS, Billy, with his father, William Henry Wilson, coached back-to-back state championship track
<br />and field teams at Vero Beach High School in 1989 and 1990, then established and coached a local Amateur
<br />Athletic Union youth basketball team, winning state basketball championships in 2000 and 2002; and
<br />WHEREAS, Billy was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Florida Athletic Coaches
<br />Association, the NAACP, and the Fort Pierce Chapter of the Florida A&M Alumni Association; he received numerous
<br />awards and recognition over his career, including the "Making a Difference in the Treasure Coast Community"
<br />award in 2007 from Treasure Coast Chapter of The Links; and
<br />WHEREAS, Billy was a member of the Steward Board and Choir at Allen Chapel AME Church in Wabasso,
<br />and served as the Church School Superintendent for over 20 years.
<br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN
<br />RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, that the pioneer spirit and civic contributions of Billy Wilson, III, greatly enriched Indian
<br />River County and the Treasure Coast, and that the Board lauds the genuinely outstanding efforts of "the heartbeat
<br />of Sebastian River High School," a man who never missed an opportunity to mentor our County's youth about the
<br />power of leadership, integrity, perseverance, responsibility, and trustworthiness, both in the classroom and on the
<br />fields of athletic competition.
<br />Adopted this 9th day of February, 2021. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS,
<br />INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA
<br />Joseph E. Flescher, Chairman
<br />Peter D. O'Bryan, Vice Chairman
<br />Susan Adams
<br />Joseph H. Earman
<br />Laura Moss 1
<br />
|