WHEREAS, Lakes High School of the Clover Park School District in the City of Lakewood, Washington began offering a vocal music program of unparalleled excellence upon its inception in 1964, under the leadership of Mr. Edward R. Harmic, Director and Mr. Loren J. Mann, Principal; and
     WHEREAS, The Lakes High School Concert Choir, under many dedicated and qualified directors, has continued to enhance, develop, and exhibit the highest standards of vocal performances and has demonstrated the highest standards of excellence at local and regional High School Choral Competitions, receiving only Outstanding (the highest) ratings at these Competitions for over forty consecutive years; and
     WHEREAS, The Lakes High School Concert Choir has accepted invitations from prestigious Music Education Organizations, and performed at the National Conventions and Conferences of the American Choral Directors Association and the Music Educator National Conference and other leading organizations; and
     WHEREAS, The Lakes High School Concert Choir, under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin Keller, Director, and Ms. Georgia Dewhurst, Principal, is recognized across the nation as the standard of excellence in choral music, having received and accepted invitations to perform in such recognized world renown venues such as The Kennedy Center, The Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall, and other prestigious centers in San Francisco, California, Washington D.C., and Salt Lake City, Utah; and
     WHEREAS, The Lakes High School Concert Choir, upon completing a concert tour from April 1, 2005, through April 4, 2005, to include the Heritage Festival of Gold at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Illinois, was judged by the panel of musical experts, performers, composers, and educators to be The Best High School Choir in the Nation;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the members of the Lakes High School Concert Choir during the school year 2004-05 for the hours of dedicated practice and for meeting and overcoming the severe challenges that can prevent one from being the best; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize all of the supporters and the participants of past choirs for their efforts in setting the tradition of excellence; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives offer the Lakes High School Concert Choir as an Ensign to music education programs across the state; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington.