WHEREAS, The Washington State Senate honors the unique and distinguishable achievements of its citizens; and
     WHEREAS, The Miss Washington Scholarship Organization exists to provide personal and professional opportunities for young women and to promote their voices in culture, politics, and the community; and
     WHEREAS, The Miss Washington Scholarship Organization makes available more than $473,000 in scholarships for its contestants each year; and
     WHEREAS, Janet Harding of Yelm was crowned as Miss Washington in July of 2008 at Pantages Theater in Tacoma; and
     WHEREAS, Ms. Harding is the daughter of Myrna and Ron Harding and a 2005 graduate of Yelm High School; and
     WHEREAS, Ms. Harding is currently a student at Western Washington University, where she is studying elementary education, social studies, and communications; and
     WHEREAS, Ms. Harding serves on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington and directed the first annual Miracle Bowl for Kids to benefit Children's Miracle Network; and
     WHEREAS, Ms. Harding previously served as Miss Tahoma, and has volunteered for more than 30 nonprofit organizations; and
     WHEREAS, Ms. Harding is competing in Las Vegas as one of 52 national finalists for the crown of Miss America 2009, with the winner announced on January 24th; and
     WHEREAS, Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance; and
     WHEREAS, Ms. Harding wants to continue her service in the future by reaching her career ambition as an elementary school teacher;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate does hereby acknowledge and honor Janet Harding, Miss Washington 2008, for her commitment to public service and for serving as a role model to young women across our state; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Miss Washington Scholarship Organization, Miss Washington 2008 Janet Harding and the Harding family.