HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2016-4659, by Representatives Dent, Buys, Caldier, Chandler, Condotta, DeBolt, Dye, Griffey, Haler, Hargrove, Harmsworth, Harris, Hawkins, Hayes, Hickel, Holy, Johnson, Klippert, Kochmar, Kretz, Kristiansen, MacEwen, Magendanz, Manweller, McCabe, McCaslin, Muri, Nealey, Orcutt, Parker, Pike, Rodne, Schmick, Scott, Shea, Short, Smith, Stambaugh, Stokesbary, Taylor, Van Werven, Vick, Walsh, Wilcox, Wilson, Young, and Zeiger

WHEREAS, The concept of Miss Rodeo America began in 1955 for the purpose of selecting a young woman to serve as an official spokesperson for the sport of professional rodeo and to provide educational opportunities for the young women who compete in the pageant; and

WHEREAS, The Miss Rodeo America Pageant is held annually in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada; and

WHEREAS, The reigning state rodeo royalty compete for the coveted crown of Miss Rodeo America by competing in the areas of presentation, horsemanship, and poise; and

WHEREAS, The Miss Rodeo America Pageant offers young women the opportunity to garner one of the richest experiences of their lives, while at the same time creating solid foundations for their future endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Lifelong friendships are made and many doors are opened to all competitors, as well as the young woman selected to wear the coveted crown; and

WHEREAS, Miss Rodeo America becomes a part of the great legacy of women to lay claim to the title; and

WHEREAS, The contestants are judged in the major categories of poise, presentation, horsemanship, and rodeo knowledge, demonstrating their skills in public speaking, personal interviewing, horsemanship, knowledge of rodeo and general equine science, current event awareness, and overall professionalism; and

WHEREAS, This year's reigning Miss Rodeo America is one of Washington's very own, Katherine Merck of Spokane, Washington; and

WHEREAS, Katherine Merck will be representing the sport of professional rodeo as she travels more than 100,000 miles around the country, appearing at nearly 100 rodeo performances, as well as appearances at schools, civic groups, and other special events, educating the public and creating awareness about the sport of rodeo, its sponsors, and the values that have made America great;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize Katherine Merck for her many talents and achievements academically and in the rodeo profession; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize the value and dedication of Miss Rodeo America in representing and promoting the professional sport of rodeo by serving as the official spokesperson for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Katherine Merck and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.