WHEREAS, MaryAlice Parks, an esteemed resident of Tacoma, and Christine Horsman, an esteemed resident of Seattle have achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving the 2003 Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and
     WHEREAS, This prestigious award, presented by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities; and
     WHEREAS, MaryAlice Parks, a junior at Annie Wright School in Tacoma, and Christine Horsman, a seventh grader at Villa Academy in Seattle, earned this award by giving generously of their time and energy to help others. MaryAlice Parks planned, implemented, and directed a summer theater camp at a local soup kitchen for underprivileged children and Christine Horsman organized a school project that raised $2,600 to purchase school supplies to enable 480 Afghan children to return to school after the recent war in their country; and
     WHEREAS, Six other Washington students were recognized as Distinguished Finalists for their impressive community service activities: Holly Edwards of Vancouver, a senior at Columbia River High School, organized the "Morning Star Cafe," an event designed to provide adolescents with a fun and safe atmosphere for meeting new friends; Laryssa Edwards of Issaquah, a senior at Issaquah High School, planned and implemented a week-long day camp to enable underprivileged children to explore dance, acting, singing, and art; Lindsey Gordon of Fall City, a senior at the Bear Creek School in Redmond, created and directed a student community service committee at her school that has taught disabled children how to ski, collected Christmas presents for needy children, and served food at a local homeless shelter; Daniel Mendoza of Sunnyside, a sophomore at Sunnyside High School, has spent the past five years working closely with city administrators to build a skate park, raising funds, serving as the project's spokesperson, and assisting with the park's design; Cristina Romento of Vancouver, a senior at Skyview High School, recruited a group of high school students to travel to Africa to help build houses for low-income families through Habitat for Humanity in Africa; and Reyna Swift of Lamont, a senior at Sprague High School in Sprague, cofounded a kids' clothing exchange program that provides low-income families with donated clothes year-round for their children; and
     WHEREAS, The success of the State of Washington, the strength of our communities, and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of young people like Christine Horsman, MaryAlice Parks, Holly Edwards, Laryssa Edwards, Lindsey Gordon, Daniel Mendoza, Cristina Romento, and Reyna Swift who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington hereby congratulate and honor Christine Horsman, MaryAlice Parks, Holly Edwards, Laryssa Edwards, Lindsey Gordon, Daniel Mendoza, Cristina Romento, and Reyna Swift as recipients of the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, recognize their outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership, and community spirit, and extend best wishes for their continued success and happiness; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Christine Horsman, MaryAlice Parks, Holly Edwards, Laryssa Edwards, Lindsey Gordon, Daniel Mendoza, Cristina Romento, and Reyna Swift.