WHEREAS, The Eastern Washington Elite Dance Teams consist of three
teams with 41 total dancers; and
WHEREAS, The Senior Elite and Senior Prep teams each include 14
dancers, with members ranging from ninth grade through twelfth grade,
and the Junior Elite team includes 13 dancers with members ranging from
sixth grade through ninth grade; and
WHEREAS, Members of the three teams reside throughout the
Tri-Cities, Spokane, Walla Walla, and Yakima and come to practice in
Kennewick with Coach Teri Rowe; and
WHEREAS, On February 4, 2005, the teams participated in the
Universal Dance Association sponsored National Dance Team Championships
in Orlando, Florida; and
WHEREAS, The Senior Elite, including Anna Merrifield, Tiffany
Huber, Marisha Mikheeva, Kate Griffith, Molly Moffett, Jessica Quinn,
Courtney Hutchins, Carli Forthun, Alissa Gunderson, Amanda Shortell,
Ashley Sanislo, Desiree Walter, Kelsey Hamada, and Angie Barness, won
the National Championships in hip-hop dance and jazz; and
WHEREAS, The Senior Prep, including Andrea Crass, Celestan Frost,
Rebecca Gaulke, Megan Huber, Ashley Georgia, Ashley Cosgrove, Melissa
Johnson, Jackie Delo, Chanelle Whaley, Caroline Cayetano, Amanda
Pentilla, Kelsey Skinner, Tawni Kay, and Heather King placed fourth in
pom-pom dance; and
WHEREAS, The Junior Elite, including Kelsey Wehner, Tori
Stephenson, Bailey Urness, Olecia Mikheeva, Sam Minyard, Jill Wyss,
Sharayah Ott, Haylee Tayamen, Paige Bobiles, Danielle Barness, Cara
Scovazzo, Megan Bissell, and Carsen Rowe, won their second consecutive
National Championship in hip-hop dance and placed second in jazz; and
WHEREAS, Head coach Teri Rowe along with assistant coaches Jen
Malloy, Serena Dotson, Mandy Case, and Heather Hanson provide excellent
guidance and leadership.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate
officially recognize the Eastern Washington Elite Dance teams, their
exemplary performance at the National Dance Team Championships, and
their inspiring representation of our state for all Washingtonians.