WHEREAS, The Miss and Mr. Mason Area Pageant has been serving Mason County one mission at a time for four years; and

WHEREAS, The pageant royalty, who range in age from newborn to young adult, compete in this "natural pageant" for the privilege of doing a year's worth of community service during which they and their families invest their time and resources into helping people in Mason County through community service projects; and

WHEREAS, Pageant participants have made a lasting impact in Mason County by raising money and walking in the Relay for Life, collecting food for Saint's Pantry, collecting coats for a domestic violence shelter, making Capes of Courage for foster children, and much more; and

WHEREAS, Royalty and ambassadors of the Miss and Mr. Mason Area Pageant have spent hours writing Christmas cards to veterans in hospitals and nursing homes, for the Christmas Cards for Heroes campaign run by the Red Cross and for the United Service Organizations; and

WHEREAS, Pageant royalty gather backpacks for school food programs that support children who do not have enough food for the weekends; and

WHEREAS, The love and support of community displayed by the pageant royalty has inspired their families and other community members to participate in community service activities throughout the county; and

WHEREAS, The Miss and Mr. Mason Area Pageant continues to provide support to the people of Mason County; and

WHEREAS, The service of pageant royalty and ambassadors has made Mason County a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; and

WHEREAS, Through the leadership of their director, Carey Sanchez, the 2016 Miss and Mr. Mason Area Pageant Royalty has made a lasting impact on the lives of Mason County community members in need; and

WHEREAS, The pageant will continue to be a symbol of hope and community togetherness by its resilient staff and volunteers who make the pageant possible each year;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate express its gratitude and appreciation to the devoted members of the Miss and Mr. Mason Area Pageant and their dedicated families; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the value and dedication of a strong community awareness to the vitality and well-being of this great state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Carey Sanchez, the 2016 Miss and Mr. Mason Area Pageant Royalty, and the 2015 Miss and Mr. Mason Area Pageant Royalty Ambassadors.