HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4769, by Representatives Ericksen, Linville, Wensman, Morris, Ogden, Santos, Barlean and Parlette

       WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence among our state's young people; and

       WHEREAS, Hate crimes and racist activities are an affront to all citizens of the state of Washington and devalue the communities where we live; and

       WHEREAS, The middle and high school students of the Ferndale Boys and Girls Club Keystone Club recognize the importance of promoting racial harmony and positive messages of peace and equality; and

       WHEREAS, The 23 members of the Keystone Club, a youth leadership group, took the initiative to raise community awareness of hate crimes; and

       WHEREAS, The Keystone Club, comprised of young adults ranging in age from 13 to 18, organized a mile-long march on February 17, 2000, from the Ferndale Boys and Girls Club to Ferndale High School, and back, in positive support of victims of hate crimes; and

       WHEREAS, The Ferndale Keystone Club brought together over 300 civic leaders, elected officials, law enforcement officers, school teachers, and concerned citizens to march against racist activities; and

       WHEREAS, All of these extraordinary accomplishments could not have been achieved without the support and encouragement these students received from their families, friends, and community members who backed them all the way; and

       WHEREAS, The inspiring group effort of these students reinforces the fact that our state's young people are actively involved in making this state a better place to live;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington honor the Ferndale Boys and Girls Club's Keystone Club members; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the Ferndale Keystone Club, the Ferndale Boys and Girls Club, and the Ferndale City Council.

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

       Resolution 4769 adopted by the House of Representatives

                         February 24, 2000.

________________________________       _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk    Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk