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 97th annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival to take place from April 28th through May 8th, 2016; 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, Emily Holmes has been selected to represent her community as a 2016 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her strong academic performance and extracurricular activities, including being a member of the National Honor Society and a cheerleading captain, a third-year American Sign Language student who participates in deaf community outreach, a fund-raiser for cancer, and a singer of the National Anthem at football games and the Wenatchee Wild hockey games, and for her everlasting commitment to her community; and

WHEREAS, Sami Everhart has been selected to represent her community as a 2016 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her community service, including being an assistant coordinator on ASB and being the president of the National Honor Society; her extracurricular activities, including participating in drama club musicals, working as a hostess at the Wok-About Grill, and being an active participant in productions of the Music Theatre of Wenatchee; and her long-standing support of the community she has always lived in; and

WHEREAS, Kori Martin has been selected to represent her community as the 2016 Apple Blossom Queen, in part for her achievements as the senior class president, a marketing intern for the Town Toyota Center, and the Washington State DECA State President, as well as her volunteering for the Lighthouse Ministries, her passion as a softball player, taking care of her dogs, and her love for 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 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 Kori Martin, Princess Emily Holmes, Princess Sami Everhart, and the board of directors and chairpeople of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.