HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 98-4707, by Representatives Constantine and Poulsen

      WHEREAS, Buntha Cheam overcame great adversity including the loss of his job, his possessions, and a child while fleeing the Khmer Rouge in his native Cambodia; and

      WHEREAS, Mr. Cheam emigrated to the United States from Cambodia to build a better life for his family; and

      WHEREAS,  Mr. Cheam is widely respected for improving the lives of the Cambodian refugee community by organizing Cambodian New Year's celebrations, starting English as a Second Language classes, conducting youth groups, and helping newly immigrated families with housing, employment, and education; and

      WHEREAS, Mr. Cheam's work with the Ruth Dykeman Children's Center has saved many dysfunctional families from dissolution by teaching all members how to be a loving, respectful, and peaceful family unit; and

      WHEREAS, Mr. Cheam is admired throughout the Highline area including White Center in Seattle, Washington for his strong and unique ability to engage youth and families in positive, healthy community activities; and

      WHEREAS, Mr. Cheam has been named as the Child Welfare Worker of the Year by the Child Welfare League of America, and he will receive his award in Washington, D.C. on March 12, 1998;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor Mr. Buntha Cheam for his extraordinary compassion, dedication, and inspirational work on behalf of needy children in his community; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize Mr. Buntha Cheam for honoring the state of Washington with his nationally recognized service to the people by accepting the Child Welfare Worker of the Year Award; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Ms. Catherine Rothwell, President of the Ruth Dykeman Children's Center; and the family of Mr. Buntha Cheam.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      Resolution 4707 adopted by the House of Representatives

                          March 2, 1998.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk