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

WHEREAS, The Wenatchee Valley is preparing to celebrate the 99th annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival to take place from April 26th through May 6th; 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 were selected to reign over the Apple Blossom Festival and serve as ambassadors to the outlying communities as princesses and queen; and

WHEREAS, Sophie Castillo has been selected to represent her community as a 2018 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her strong academic performance and extracurricular activities, including being an international top twenty finalist in marketing communications with DECA, a varsity golfer, a tutor at a local elementary school, and a Key Club member who participates in model United Nations, mock trial and FBLA, and the local TedDriven fund-raiser for cancer research and for her dedication to the community where she has always lived; and

WHEREAS, Jessica Murray has been selected to represent her community as a 2018 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her community service, including being high school activities coordinator and co-president of Random Acts of Kindness, her extracurricular activities, including volunteering at a local humane society, leading freshman Ignite Orientation groups, and being a Math is Cool instructor, and her lasting commitment to a community that has given her so much; and

WHEREAS, Gretta Wiersma has been selected to represent her community as the 2018 Apple Blossom Queen, in part for her accomplishments as senior class president, serving as sports editor for her school's newspaper, participating in varsity soccer and track her entire high school career, her involvement with Young Life, Honor Society, and Random Acts of Kindness, and her passion and love for the people of the Wenatchee Valley; and

WHEREAS, These three young women desire to share their proven talents and leadership ambition to serve their community and encourage 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 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 Gretta Wiersma, Princess Sophie Castillo, Princess Jessica Murray, and the board of directors and chairs of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.