WHEREAS, Kari Koski, the venerable Director of the Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program, who for 18 years has served tirelessly in the support of ocean going residents and visitors of the Puget Sound; and
     WHEREAS, The communities of San Juan County have prospered under the care, protection, and professionalism of a lifelong volunteer, resident, neighbor, and friend; and
     WHEREAS, Director Koski has dedicated two decades to the promotion and education of safe boating practices on whale inhabited waters, while improving the safety of and respect paid to the endangered marine animals of the Pacific Northwest; and
     WHEREAS, Director Koski served in her capacity of educator throughout her years of service to promote responsibility on the water, teaching boaters north and south of the border including recreational boaters, wildlife agencies, students, volunteers, and colleagues, and demonstrating the very ideals of self-sacrifice and environmental stewardship; and
     WHEREAS, Being the esteemed recipient of the Master Steward Award, awarded by the San Juan Marine Resource Committee, who recognize the good fortune given them through the service of Director Koski; and
     WHEREAS, Her receipt of the award marked only the second time a deserving and invaluable member of the San Juan community has been bestowed such an honor; and
     WHEREAS, Her unmatched leadership developed and successfully implemented the Be Whale Wise Guidelines and the Kayakers Code of Conduct to grow a fledgling educational program into the proactive and respected entity it is today; and
     WHEREAS, In collaboration with community partners, she facilitated fundraising campaigns to support the Whale Museum and its programs, including local monitoring projects through the San Juan County Marine Stewardship Area and National Wildlife Refuges; and     
     WHEREAS, Her years of dedicated service have won her the respect and admiration of colleagues and neighbors alike, who recognize the diplomacy, grace, and passion embodied by Kari Koski in her leadership as Program Director;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize and congratulate Kari Koski for her 18 years as Program Director and for her dedication to all inhabitants of the Puget Sound and the State of Washington; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution honoring Director Koski be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Kari Koski and the Whale Museum, the San Juan Islander, the Island Guardian, the Island Sounder, the Journal of the San Juans, and the Orcas Issues.