WHEREAS, Twenty school districts in the state have established policies which allow a student representative from a high school in the district to serve as a nonvoting member of the district's school board; and
     WHEREAS, The student representative serves as a liaison between the students and the school board and attends school board meetings, at which he or she reports student activities, concerns, and opinions, and contributes to board discussions, but does not vote or attend executive meetings; and
     WHEREAS, The student representative communicates board issues and decisions to students through participation in Associated Student Body meetings or other means; and
     WHEREAS, Jessica DeWitt from East Valley High School of Yakima is one of those student representatives, and her efforts, like the efforts of other students so honored, have helped to present a valuable perspective to school board deliberations, as well as a professional and direct avenue for student concerns to be voiced; and
     WHEREAS, The student representative position offers students an opportunity to develop and refine leadership and public speaking skills, to interact with community leaders, and to gain knowledge of school board issues and procedures, as well as respect for public service;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize the contributions of Jessica DeWitt, and all other students who serve as student representatives to school district boards; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Jessica DeWitt, The East Valley School District, and the Washington State School Directors' Association.