WHEREAS, Michele Brees graduated from Mt. Rainier High School in the Highline School District and went on to receive her undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and a graduate degree from Leslie College; and
     WHEREAS, Ms. Brees, after teaching for several years in Nevada, then returned and has taught elementary education in the Highline School District; and
     WHEREAS, The health and fitness of children is a passion for Michele, which has led her to create the "WISH Program," an after-school running club that allows students to learn about staying active through running while also teaching them about eating healthy and doing their best; and
     WHEREAS, She has taught third through fifth grade classes at Madrona Elementary School for the past nine years, a school where the free and reduced school lunch population is 89.7 percent; and
     WHEREAS, In 2007, Michele was named a "Teacher of the Year for Secondary and Elementary Education" in the Highline School District, the first year the District participated in this program sponsored by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; and
     WHEREAS, Michele successfully completed the rigorous National Board Certification in 2009; and
     WHEREAS, As a result of her dedication and professionalism, on July 9th, 2009, Michele Brees was named as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching; and
     WHEREAS, This award is presented in a special White House ceremony to the recipients from each of the fifty states; and additionally, recipients receive a 10,000 dollar award from the National Science Foundation; and
     WHEREAS, In conferring this award, President Barack Obama stated, "There is no higher calling than furthering the educational advancement of our nation's young people and encouraging and inspiring our next generation of leaders"; and
     WHEREAS, Michele continues to contribute to the expansion of excellence in education by opening her classroom for observation and provides math instruction training for her colleagues;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor Michele Brees for her outstanding public service to the students in the Highline School District, her dedication to the students of Washington, and her ongoing promotion of health, fitness, and excellence in math and science; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Washington State Senate, Michele Brees and her family, the Superintendent of the Highline School District, and the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.