HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 95-4612, by Representatives Quall, Hymes, Sehlin, Beeksma, L. Thomas, Pelesky, Robertson, Lambert, Chandler, Mason and Costa

       WHEREAS, Washington Elementary School in West Mount Vernon received impressive national acclaim as a Blue Ribbon School in the 1993-94 school year; and

       WHEREAS, Washington was one of only four public and private elementary schools from all across our state that were selected for this superb honor by the United States Department of Education; and

       WHEREAS, In announcing the Blue Ribbon award for Washington Elementary School, United States Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley specifically lauded the school's high standards, family involvement, and a "can-do" attitude among students, teachers, and school leaders; and

       WHEREAS, The Education Secretary also hailed Washington's safe, orderly, and drug-free environment, as well as the school's commitment to teacher growth and recognition; and

       WHEREAS, Greg Gustafson, a Washington fifth grader, emphasized in his Blue Ribbon Flag Ceremony speech last fall that "We learn from and teach one another," and that "We all work together towards each other's goals," and that "We all have positive attitudes"; and

       WHEREAS, Principal Linda Jenkins, Mount Vernon School District officials, and many of the school's parents, students, and staff are in Olympia today for a ceremony in which the teamwork and accomplishments of Washington Elementary School will be officially commemorated once again; and

       WHEREAS, The alumni, parents, teachers, students, and other friends of Washington Elementary School will also join together in celebrating their school's 100th birthday in April of this year;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington salute the wonderful and very deserved recognition that has been bestowed upon Washington Elementary School; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Washington Principal Linda Jenkins, to Mount Vernon School District Superintendent Dr. Dolores J. Gibbons, and to the members of the Mount Vernon School District Board of Directors:  Jerome Chandler, Dr. Dennis Edmonds, Cathy Pelland, Tony Rodriguez, and Meryl Skjei.

          I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

         Resolution 4612 adopted by the House of Representatives

                            January 27, 1995.

                     ________________________________

                      Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk