WHEREAS, Washington's apple industry is a major contributor to the economic health of both the State and its people; and
     WHEREAS, The City of Wenatchee is preparing to celebrate the 91st annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival to take place from April 22 through May 2, 2010; and
     WHEREAS, The Apple Blossom Festival, which began as a one-day gathering of poetry and song in Wenatchee's Memorial Park, is one of the oldest major festivals in the state, first celebrated in 1919 when Mrs. E. Wagner organized the first Blossom Day; 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 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 to reign over the Apple Blossom Festival and serve as ambassadors to the outlying communities as Princesses and Queen; and
     WHEREAS, Laurie Bazan has been selected to represent her community as a 2010 Apple Blossom Princess, for her jovial demeanor and commitment to helping others as demonstrated by the generous giving of her time to mentor migrant and low-income middle school students, in addition to her strong academic performance as a Running Start participant and a diverse array of extracurricular activities, including her passion for music as exemplified by her third year of service as the president of the Mariachi Huenachi; and
     WHEREAS, Lauren Ferguson has been selected to represent her community as a 2010 Apple Blossom Princess, for her strong leadership ability as shown through the organization of several school activities including freshman orientation and homecoming week and her genuine, lighthearted attitude and passion for life, in addition to her commitment to academic excellence as a member of the Honor Society and her involvement in extracurricular activities, including competitive dance team and volunteering for community charities; and
     WHEREAS, Margaret Robinson has been selected to represent her community as the 2010 Apple Blossom Queen, for her compassionate, poised, and humble spirit and her strong academic performance and participation in extracurricular activities including being a member of the swim and dive team and the editor of her high school's newspaper, in addition to her kindhearted, jubilant, and heartfelt love for her family, friends, and community; and
     WHEREAS, These three young women all desire to share their proven talents and leadership ambition to serve their community and be an encouragement to those they encounter;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate 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 Margaret Robinson, Princess Laurie Bazan, Princess Lauren Ferguson, and the Board of Directors and Chairpeople of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.