Tried to find a way to thank you For your time and all the things you do! You have had a lot of schooling and college And strive to impart some knowledge Your class is like a box of chocolates, never know what you will get — A lesson, a lecture, but and adventure, you bet! Your map- drawing promotes laughter; We don't always know where and what you are after! Sometimes we doze off, showing little comprehension But we do try to give some attention. We have learned much, much geography With the benefit of your camera and great photography. We are often threatened with a test; You know we are seniors and not at our best. We enjoy your jokes with Carolina. Humor is forever on your mind. You cut off your hair, and now we see What a nice looking fellow you can be. You edit a newspaper to have your say. Keep the presses rolling; we love it that way. You take dear Linda to many places, Places where we would not show our faces. The perfect epitaph should be "been there, done that" Sure would make a good welcome mat! You must love this Center and all of us. We thank you and that's why all the fuss. — Martha Kinsey The Shepherd Center of Columbia

Editor's note: This was by Sen. Courson on behalf of Gov. Mark Sanford when he presented Warner Montgomery the Order of the Silver Crescent.

On behalf of the people of South Carolina, I am pleased to award you the Order of the Silver Crescent — our state's highest honor for volunteer and community service. This award is in recognition of all you have done to better our part of the world over the years.

We believe that a vibrant press is indeed the fourth branch of government, and while those who serve in government may not always agree with those who report on government, your work on this and other fronts is a vital part of our democracy. As Publisher and Owner of The Columbia Star, you present a free and open exchange of ideas and information in your paper each week as you report on your and other folks' adventures around the world, on matters of government, education, sports, travel, and business, and on items of interest happening around town. Whether reporting on a student winning a National Young Astronomer Award or on a gentleman receiving a letter from his friend 64 years late or on budget shortfalls, your readers count on you week in and week out to keep them well informed. The many awards you have won for your service and advocacy speak to your pursuit of excellence and to your deep and abiding interest in the world around you.

In addition to your tremendous responsibilities with The Columbia Star, you have given generously of your time and talents as an ambassador for many causes. I am impressed just looking at the breadth of your devotion to others — the Shepherd's Center of Columbia, the Historic Columbia Foundation, the Piedmont Chapter of The Explorers Club, the Loblolly Society, the Torch Club of Columbia — the list goes on. These and many other noteworthy endeavors have greatly benefited from your leadership, wisdom, encouragement, and strong support.

You capture the essence of a gentleman who considers it an honor and privilege to serve others. While it is difficult to compress and describe all you have done for your community in a letter, we appreciate your committed and faithful service. Your generosity over the years will have an enduring effect on our citizens and, for all you have done, we extend our gratitude. Thank you for upholding the highest ideals of servant leadership in everything that you do. Sincerely, Mark Sanford