WHEREAS, Washington's apple industry is a major contributor to the economic health of the state and its people; and
     WHEREAS, The Apple Blossom Festival celebrates the importance of the apple industry in the Wenatchee Valley and its environs; and
     WHEREAS, The Apple Blossom Festival, which began in 1919 as a one-day gathering of poetry and song in Wenatchee's Memorial Park, is one of the oldest major festivals in the state; and
     WHEREAS, The City of Wenatchee is preparing to celebrate the 87th annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival to take place from April 27 through May 7, 2006; and
     WHEREAS, The Apple Blossom Festival recognizes three young women who, by their superior and distinctive efforts, have exemplified the spirit and meaning of the Apple Blossom Festival; and
     WHEREAS, These three young women are selected by their peers and community to reign over the Apple Blossom Festival and serve as ambassadors of this great region of Eastern Washington, the Wenatchee Valley, and the surrounding communities as Princesses and Queen; and
     WHEREAS, Liz Speidel has been selected to represent her community as a 2006 Apple Blossom Princess in part due to her accomplishments and contributions to the community through a dedication to academic excellence and scholastic achievement, as well as her involvement in extracurricular activities at Wenatchee High School where she serves as secretary of Key Club and as a member of the National Honor Society, French Club, Interact Club, Political Awareness Club, and Chamber Singers; and
     WHEREAS, Julie Rice has been selected to represent her community as a 2006 Apple Blossom Princess in part due to her service as Drum Major of Wenatchee High School's Golden Apple marching band and as a Freshman orientation counselor, youth group leader, and volunteer counselor at Royal Family Kids Camp, as well as for her academic and scholastic achievements, which include the Challenge Program and the National Honor Society; and
     WHEREAS, Jenny Hampton has been selected to represent her community as the 2006 Apple Blossom Queen in part due to her accomplishments and contributions to the community through her demonstrated leadership and service as an Associated Student Body Activities Coordinator at Wenatchee High School, where she strives to exemplify the characteristics of servant leadership: Patience, kindness, humility, respect, selflessness, honesty, commitment, and forgiveness, as well as for her positive attitude on and off the volleyball and tennis court and for her devotion to academic excellence and scholastic achievement as a math tutor and as a member of the National Honor Society;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington honor the accomplishments of the members of the Apple Blossom Festival Court and join the City of Wenatchee and the people of the State of Washington in celebrating the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Queen Jenny Hampton, Princess Liz Speidel, Princess Julie Rice, and the board of directors and chairs of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.