WHEREAS, Richard Riddell, Official Town Crier and distinguished citizen of Anacortes, has achieved international recognition by winning first place at the 2013 World Invitational Town Crier Competition in Kingston, Ontario; and
     WHEREAS, The five-day competition attracted thirty-five of the world's best criers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, and Holland; and
     WHEREAS, Mr. Riddell is the first American to win first place in the main event; and
     WHEREAS, Mr. Riddell has also been awarded first place at the North American Town Crier's Competition in 2008, the Bermuda International Town Crier Competition in 2009, and was named best dressed crier at the previous World Invitational Town Crier Competition in 2010; and
     WHEREAS, Mr. Riddell is a long time Washingtonian, having graduated from Anacortes High School and Skagit Valley College and having studied theater arts at Washington State University; and
     WHEREAS, Mr. Riddell completed advanced studies in theater arts at the National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York City and went on to study opera at the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut; and
     WHEREAS, Mr. Riddell had a successful career as a professional opera singer in the United States and Europe; and
     WHEREAS, Mr. Riddell has honorably served the city of Anacortes with his booming baritone voice since 2007 in the office of Official Town Crier; and
     WHEREAS, Mr. Riddell is a devoted and active member of his community, nurturing a future generation of Washingtonians through his work as a music teacher at La Venture Middle School in Mount Vernon;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor the achievement of Richard Riddell in becoming the first American to win first place at the World Invitational Town Crier Competition; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Town Crier Richard Riddell be commended for his exemplary community stewardship and for dutifully representing Anacortes, Washington State, and the United States as a committed ambassador through the ancient and honorable role of Town Crier; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Official Town Crier of Anacortes, Richard Riddell, and to the Mayor of Anacortes, Laurie Gere.