WHEREAS, Catholic school educators have been teaching in Washington state for more than one hundred forty years, beginning with the Sisters of Providence at Fort Vancouver; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools throughout the state of Washington and nation provide an outstanding quality education in a safe environment to thousands of students regardless of race, creed, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or economic status; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools have more than twenty-nine thousand students currently receiving their education in ninety-one elementary and secondary schools throughout the state of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, The dedicated men and women who teach and administer these schools produce academically strong students who also commit themselves to service; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools have trained many of the finest leaders in professions and occupations throughout this state and nation; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools have been recognized by the United States Department of Education as "Schools of Excellence"; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools greatly help relieve the financial burdens placed on public school systems by providing options for parents and students seeking alternative educational opportunities; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools uphold the dignity and sanctity of human life; and
     WHEREAS, All Catholic schools around the entire country are celebrating "Catholic Schools 2003: Making a World of Difference";
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the Catholic schools of Washington State and honor their academic excellence and faith-based instruction during this celebration of Catholic Schools Week, January 26, 2003, through February 1, 2003; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the school departments at the Archdiocese of Seattle, the Diocese of Spokane, and the Diocese of Yakima.