WHEREAS, The National Consortium for Academics and Sports, whose
mission is to create a better society by focusing on educational
attainment and using the power and appeal of sport to positively affect
social change, has celebrated National Student-Athlete Day on April 6th
since 1987; and
WHEREAS, Many scholar-athletes have pursued excellence through
postsecondary education opportunities while facing challenging
circumstances; and
WHEREAS, Scholar-athletes serve as mentors who go beyond providing
spectators with dreams and aspirations of becoming a successful athlete
and lead by example by displaying that academic achievement is an
admirable accomplishment that portends a promising future; and
WHEREAS, Anyone who has ever been discouraged while confronting
obstacles or experiencing adversity knows the need for a mentor, hope,
and inspiration, and scholar-athletes continue to positively influence
others by virtue of illustrating what can be achieved through diligence
and perseverance; and
WHEREAS, While scholar-athletes encourage people to dream, they set
high standards with their ability to consistently meet rigorous
athletic requirements while honoring the importance of education; and
WHEREAS, Maintaining a strong drive and dedication requires
sacrifice and persistence that is deserving of recognition; and
WHEREAS, The following athletes have demonstrated the
aforementioned tenants of an outstanding scholar-athlete: Alex Smyth,
Chris Thomas, Bonnie Millard Berscheid, and Lilly Bourret from Eastern
Washington University; Adam Bighill, Lynde Clarke, Tyler Fischer,
Marcie Mullen, Erin Norris, Johnny Spevak, and Krissy Tandle from
Central Washington University; Angel Stewart, John Levi III, Maddie
Blevens, Annie Forman, Eric Jones, Matt Stalnik, Madeline Tuson-Turner,
Aaron Schlund from The Evergreen State College; David Brittinen, Calin
Schell, Jordan Welling, Anthony Zackery, Matt Zigulis, Gina Auriemma,
Kylie Broadbent, Audrey Coon, Heidi Dimmitt, Christy Miller, and Tiana
Roma from Western Washington University; Ryan Perkins, Rylan Hawkins,
Tobias Obenaus, Kevin Spooner, Jill Collymore, Kristen Omori, Kelly
Gilbert, Marisa Chang, and Brooke Anderson from the University of
Washington; Jared Prince, Taylor Rochestie, Vaughn Lesuma, Jeshua
Anderson, Katie Appleton, Sara Trane, Karin Brevick, and Lorraine King
from Washington State University; Jami Schaefer, Evan Wells, Lori
Conrad, Matt Berry, Emily Johnson, Anna Friedhoff, and Matt Bejar from
Gonzaga University; Katie Hansen, Cassidy Murillo, Madison Collins,
Maria Madeira, Austen Powers, Sean Rawson, Derek Rogalsky, and Doug
Djang from Seattle University; Daniel Hibbard, Brian Erickson, Amy
Spieker, Alexandria Miller, Lauren Meyer, Leif Hansen, James Crosetto,
Chad Hall, Trinity Gibbons, and Casey Jackson from Pacific Lutheran
University; Greg Bailey, Caitlin McGrane, Hilary Rice, Boone Freeman,
Karen Chase, Colin Koach, and Fiona Gornick from the University of
Puget Sound; Casey Reed, Jessica Pixler, Meredith Teague, Daesha
Henderson, Benjamin Pliskin, Chad Meis, and Nicole Finley from Seattle
Pacific University; Krinda Carlson, Amber Pratt, Dara Zack, Tucker
Maxwell, Jamey Gelhar, Amy Dalzell, Jake Linton, Bill Richardson, John
Eisentrout, and Kevin Jones from St. Martin's University; Dustin
Miracle, Jonny Long, Greg Damazo, Isaac Lopez, Heather McFadden, Karen
Wheeler, Amber Davin, and Jennifer Han from Walla Walla University;
Kristen Mittelsteadt, Joe Johnson, Corina Gabbert, Alex Graves, Kristen
Ballinger, and Sara McCune from Whitman College; Samantha Kephart,
Scott Donnell, Ben Spaun, Miranda Cosand, Penelope Crowe, and Dan
Sanders from Whitworth University; and Rachel Mitchell, Brittany
Bowsher, Shauna Marshall, Andrea Cotton, Kyle Wall, Nathan Rheaume,
Greg Peters, and Libby Hellwig from Northwest University;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of
Representatives recognize scholar-athletes at institutions of higher
learning throughout the state of Washington for their ability to
exhibit potential through athletic and academic achievement.