HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 99-4612, by Representatives Pflug, Thomas, Cairnes, Fortunato, Dunn, Carlson, Ogden and Talcott

      WHEREAS, The students of Tahoma High School in Maple Valley, Washington, enrolled in the program known as "We The People, The Citizen and Constitution" have exhibited that they have learned very well the lessons of our forefathers who wrote the Constitution of the United States and will be representing all of Washington in national championship competitions; and

      WHEREAS, This knowledge will enhance their lives and direct their paths as they walk through life, proud in the knowledge that Americans have long stood for justice and liberty of all Americans; and

      WHEREAS, Being armed with this knowledge is to the benefit of all citizens of this great country and state and will encourage them to participate in the democracy men and women have fought so gallantly to preserve; and

      WHEREAS, Knowing that these energetic, knowledgeable young people will one day lead this state and country, and that there may very well be in their midst a Governor, Senator, or member of Congress or perhaps even a future President; and

      WHEREAS, Teachers of "We The People" program such as Stephanie Galloway and Mark Oglesby can take great pride knowing that the students enrolled in this program have the knowledge to outperform university students in every topic; and

      WHEREAS, Studies have shown that 80 percent of senior students participating in this program have registered to vote compared to an average of 37 percent, thereby proving that this program has increased the interest in politics and in participating in government;

      WHEREAS, For the first time, Tahoma High School had teams competing at the state championship, and one such team won the first place title, enabling its members to represent the whole state of Washington when they compete at the national competition in Washington, D.C.;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives wish to acknowledge the participants in this program, all of whom are members of the team that won first place: Adam Baldridge, Mary Basinger, Joshua Bodily, Sydney Brumbach, Katie Carder, Erika Chavez, Elizabeth Dauenhauer, Steven Dekoker, Meaghan Denney, Nathan Dill, Marisa Dorazio, Jesse Duncan, Jon Hallstrom, Jayson Hart, Carolyn Hott, Joshua Keegan, Daniel Lindner, Casey Lineberger, Clark Lundberg, Karrie Pilgrim, Michael Pirog, David Rosales, Jason Shinn, Jeremy Sloan, Justin Sly, Donny Trieu, Orianna Tucker, Jessica Walker, Raymond Williams, and Elizabeth Zaleski, students making their families and fellow citizens proud; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives forward a copy of this resolution to the Principal of Tahoma High School to further show the respect of this body for a job well done by each student and teacher.

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

         Resolution 4612 adopted by the House of Representatives

                            February 19, 1999.

________________________________             _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk            Dean R. Foster Co-Chief Clerk