8645

SENATE RESOLUTION

8645

By Senators Finkbeiner, Hochstatter, Kline, Johnson, Prentice, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Oke, Roach, Costa, Sheldon, B., Franklin, Rasmussen, Stevens, Zarelli, McCaslin, Winsley and Fraser

WHEREAS, Eugene Drayton, born in Longview, Texas, served in the United States Army during World War II and settled in Seattle upon discharge from the Army in 1945, to begin a career with the United States Postal Service; and

WHEREAS, In 1958, Eugene Drayton, heeding a higher calling, became an associate minister at the House of Prayer for All Nations; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Drayton gave up a fifteen year career with the United States Postal Service, dedicated himself fully to following his spiritual calling, and began an outreach "ministry that would reach all nations or races of people," and founded the Zion United House of Prayer in 1960; and

WHEREAS, After ministering in his hands-on style for many years, Pastor Drayton took notice of an increasing number of students in his Sunday School classes unable to read or write; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Drayton, assuming immense responsibility and acting in total faith, developed a vision of a private school that could afford great learning opportunities for those not likely to have such opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Drayton's vision was realized in 1982, when he successfully founded Zion Preparatory Academy otherwise known as "The Miracle on 32nd Street"; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Drayton has remained faithful to his church, his school, and his community, by extending learning opportunities to children in multiethnic urban neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, Zion Preparatory Academy instills discipline, personal responsibility, high academic standards, and a foundation of spiritual belief that has benefited both alumni and the community; and

WHEREAS, Zion Preparatory works to counteract negative stereotypes and provide its students with positive African-American role models; and

WHEREAS, The academy continues to be one of the largest recipients of private and corporate contributions among educational institutions in Seattle; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Drayton has selflessly contributed to the community and youth by serving on the boards of service and children's organizations for decades; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Drayton, at the age of eighty-one, continues to minister at Zion United House of Prayer in Seattle;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the outstanding achievements of Pastor Eugene Drayton, who has dedicated his life to helping Seattle's underprivileged and minority youth acquire a solid education, a sense of self-worth, and understanding of the importance of greater service to God and community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately delivered to the Zion United House of Prayer, Zion Preparatory Academy, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Seattle City Council, and the King County Metropolitan Council.