WHEREAS, Washington's apple industry is a major contributor to the economic health of the state and its people; and

WHEREAS, The Wenatchee Valley is preparing to celebrate the 98th annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, which takes place April 27 through May 7, 2017; 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 very first Blossom Day; and

WHEREAS, The Apple Blossom Festival celebrates the importance of the apple industry in the Wenatchee Valley and its surrounding areas; 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, Paige Chvilicek has been selected to represent her community as a 2017 Apple Blossom Princess; Paige was selected for her strong academic performance and extracurricular activities, which include being a four-year member of DECA, a member of the Honor Society, a freshman orientation leader, and a volunteer youth instructor at her local dance studio; Paige will undoubtedly continue to have an everlasting commitment to her community; and

WHEREAS, Alissa Riker has been selected to represent her community as a 2017 Apple Blossom Princess; Alissa was selected for her community service, which includes logging 420 hours of volunteer work as a camp counselor in Lake Wenatchee and as a volunteer at the local veterinary clinic; for her extracurricular activities, which include participating as a competitive dancer and playing violin in the chamber orchestra; and for her long-standing support of her community; and

WHEREAS, Amy Sand has been selected to represent her community as the 2017 Apple Blossom Queen; Amy was selected for her active involvement in the marching band, wind ensemble, the Senior Senate, and the Associated Student Body; for her volunteer work at the local senior living facility; for spending her summers working for local orchards; and for her love for the people of Wenatchee Valley; and

WHEREAS, Each of these three young women desire to share their proven talents, leadership, and ambition to serve their community; and to be an encouragement to every person 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 Wenatchee Valley 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 Amy Sand, Princess Paige Chvilicek, Princess Alissa Riker, and to the board of directors of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.