WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson, a dedicated and inspiring teacher for the Granite Falls School District, was named the 2007 National Teacher of the Year; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson comes from a family of educators and obtained a Bachelor of Music in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Music graduating cum laude; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson, with the collaboration of her principal, created a five-year plan to improve music learning in the Granite Falls School District that proved to be very successful; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson has the amazing ability to reach students who are faltering in the traditional classroom setting and provide them with inspiration; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson has brought to light the critical importance of music in our educational system and developed an innovative approach to teaching that includes cross-curricular learning where she integrates subject matter from other disciplines to enhance music education; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson has demonstrated exceptional initiative and musical talent through her participation in the Northwest Wind Symphony and by composing original music which she has incorporated into student productions; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson's platform for the past year has been to emphasize the importance of community involvement in education; and
     WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson has served as the ambassador for education and representative of the teaching profession over the past year and has made the citizens of Washington proud;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate honor Andrea Peterson; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Andrea Peterson.