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.