WHEREAS, Catholic school educators have been teaching in Washington
state for more than one hundred forty years, beginning with the Sisters
of Providence at Fort Vancouver; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools throughout the state of Washington and
nation provide an outstanding quality education in a safe environment
to thousands of students regardless of race, creed, color, gender,
national origin, ethnicity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or
physical disability, or economic status; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools have approximately twenty-eight thousand
students currently receiving their education in ninety-one elementary
and secondary schools throughout the state of Washington; and
WHEREAS, The dedicated men and women who teach and administer these
schools produce academically strong students who also commit themselves
to service; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools have trained many of the finest leaders
in professions and occupations throughout this state and nation; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools have been recognized by the United States
Department of Education as "Schools of Excellence"; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools greatly help relieve the financial
burdens placed on public school systems by providing options for
parents and students seeking alternative educational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools teach the dignity and sanctity of human
life; and
WHEREAS, All Catholic schools around the entire country are
celebrating "Catholic Schools 2004: A Faith-Filled Future";
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate
recognize the Catholic schools of Washington state and honor their
academic excellence and faith-based instruction during this celebration
of Catholic Schools Week, January 25, 2004, through January 31, 2004;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be
immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the school
departments at the Archdiocese of Seattle, the Diocese of Spokane, and
the Diocese of Yakima.