SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1999-8634

By Senators Costa and Rasmussen

     WHEREAS, The Washington State Senate strives to recognize the outstanding achievements and triumphs of young people today; and

     WHEREAS, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America works to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens; and

     WHEREAS, Ms. Liberty Franklin has overcome her own difficult life challenges to be named national AYouth of the Year,@ the top honor awarded by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America; and

     WHEREAS, This remarkable Everett High School senior maintains an impressive 3.95 grade point average, is a member of the National Honor Society, plays varsity softball, and works several part-time jobs to help her family and save for college; and

     WHEREAS, Liberty has received $45,000 in college scholarships in pursuit of her goal to study dentistry at the University of Washington, and;

     WHEREAS, Liberty also gives back to her community as a senior center volunteer, church choir member, and coordinator of Teen Talk sessions at her local Boys & Girls Club; and

     WHEREAS, She has further distinguished herself since receiving this honor by speaking at conferences across the country, testifying on youth legislation before Congress, and meeting dignitaries at the White House, and will serve as a teen spokeswoman for nearly three million members of the Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide; and

     WHEREAS, Liberty=s commitment, confidence, and talents as a communicator make her a stellar role model for our state's youth;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize and honor Liberty Franklin, and acknowledge the great contributions made by Ms. Franklin to her family, to her community, and to the youth of Washington; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we do hereby urge all citizens of the state of Washington to join us in so recognizing Liberty Franklin as a shining example of how community support can help inspire, motivate, and encourage our youth to succeed in life, despite all odds, and that the Secretary of the Senate do hereby immediately transmit copies of this resolution to Ms. Liberty Franklin and to the Boys & Girls Club of America.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1999-8634,

adopted by the Senate February 26, 1999.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate