WHEREAS, Currently, ninety-one Catholic elementary and secondary schools in Washington provide a strong academic and religious education to more than 29,000 students; and

            WHEREAS, The Reverend Stephen C. Rowan, Vicar for Education and Superintendent of Catholic Schools in Washington – in partnership with parents, principals, teachers and support staff – is committed to the development of faith and academic excellence; and

            WHEREAS, Parents of children attending Catholic schools make sacrifices in order to send their children to a school that shares their religious beliefs; and 

            WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Education has recognized several Catholic schools as “Schools of Excellence.” Among them, Our Lady of Lourdes School in Vancouver, Washington, which received a 2001 “Blue Ribbon” award for excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement and parental involvement; and                         

            WHEREAS, The Legislature recognizes the commitment of the dedicated men and women who teach and administer these schools with faith and passion, and whose work has produced thousands of academically strong students who commit themselves to service; and 

            WHEREAS, During the week of January 27- February 3, 2002, some 8,200 Catholic schools nationwide will recognize their commitment to faith-based education with the theme “Catholic Schools 2002: Where Faith and Knowledge Meet;”

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate recognize the Catholic schools of our state and honor their academic excellence and faith-based instruction during Catholic Schools Week; and

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Washington State Catholic Conference and the Catholic Schools Department of the Archdiocese of Seattle, Diocese of Yakima and Diocese of Spokane.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8736,

adopted by the Senate January 31, 2002.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate