HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 98-4727, by Representatives Regala, Conway, Butler, Clements, Wolfe, Kastama, Wood, Kenney, Linville, Buck, Fisher, Lantz, Appelwick, Carlson, Grant, Pennington, Keiser, Mitchell, Ogden, L. Thomas and Dunn

      WHEREAS, Elaine Stefanowicz is a true example of determination; and

      WHEREAS, Elaine Stefanowicz has proven that the wheelchair she has been in for the last seventeen years was not the end of her life, but a new chapter in her life; and

      WHEREAS, Elaine's positive outlook and "gift of gab" has helped her explain to people in Washington state and the rest of the country the challenges and victories of the mobility-impaired; and

      WHEREAS, As the first resident of Washington to participate in the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant, Elaine Stefanowicz was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America in 1996; and

      WHEREAS, During her reign as Ms. Wheelchair America, which ended this month, Elaine Stefanowicz educated people about the Americans with Disabilities Act and encouraged other women to participate in the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant; and

      WHEREAS, During her reign, Elaine Stefanowicz spoke with President and Mrs. Clinton, visited Christopher Reeve, and was the first person in a wheelchair to throw out the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners baseball game; and

      WHEREAS, Elaine Stefanowicz continues to be active in the community as a cofounder of the Spinal Cord Injury Action Group, which provides support and fun for people with spinal cord injuries and their families; and

      WHEREAS, When she has a spare moment, Elaine Stefanowicz is a skier, who has captured a first place medal for downhill skiing; and

      WHEREAS, Elaine Stefanowicz continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for those facing the challenge of life in a wheelchair;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the efforts of Elaine Stefanowicz both as a private citizen and as Ms. Wheelchair American to educate, challenge, encourage, and inspire people everywhere who are mobility-impaired; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Elaine Stefanowicz.

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

      Resolution 4727 adopted by the House of Representatives

                          March 11, 1998.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk