By Senators Parlette, Braun, Rolfes, Bailey, Ericksen, Brown, Angel, Billig, Kohl-Welles, Fraser, Hasegawa, Schoesler, Becker, Dammeier, Honeyford, and Hatfield

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 96th annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival to take place from April 23 through May 3, 2015; 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, Francesca Nevil has been selected to represent her community as a 2015 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her strong academic performance and extracurricular activities, including being the President of Honor Society and the leader of the Random Acts of Kindness and Diversity Clubs, a member of both Earth and Key Club, holding ASB positions continuously throughout her high school career, and captain of her undefeated league and district champion Swim and Dive Team, and her unending devotion to her community; and

WHEREAS, Anissa Sangster has been selected to represent her community as a 2015 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her active role in student government acting as Treasurer, being an active member of the Key Club, and her extracurricular activities, including her role as captain of the Varsity cheer squad and dancing competitively for a local dance studio, and her everlasting support of the community she has always lived in; and

WHEREAS, Gabby Waterman has been selected to represent her community as the 2015 Apple Blossom Queen, in part for her achievements as secretary of Math Club, and being an active member of Honor Society, volunteering for Special Olympics basketball, and her extracurricular activities, including earning multiple letters in varsity soccer and basketball, and her dedication to the people of Wenatchee Valley; 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 Senate of the State of Washington 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 recognizing the celebration of 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 Gabby Waterman, Princess Anissa Sangster, Princess Francesca Nevil, and the Board of Directors and Chairs of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.