WHEREAS, Washington's apple industry is a major contributor to the economic health of both the state and its people; and
     WHEREAS, The City of Wenatchee is preparing to celebrate the 89th annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival to take place from April 24 through May 4, 2008; and
     WHEREAS, The Apple Blossom Festival, which began as a one-day gathering of poetry and song in Wenatchee's Memorial Park, is one of the oldest major festivals in the state and was first celebrated in 1919 when Mrs. E. Wagner organized the first Blossom Day; and
     WHEREAS, The Apple Blossom Festival celebrates the importance of the apple industry in the Wenatchee Valley and its environs; and
     WHEREAS, The Apple Blossom Festival recognizes three young women who by their superior and distinctive efforts have exemplified the spirit and meaning of the Apple Blossom Festival; and
     WHEREAS, These three young women are selected to reign over the Apple Blossom Festival and serve as ambassadors to the outlying communities as Princesses and Queen; and
     WHEREAS, Emily Love has been selected to represent her community as a 2008 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her strong academic performance and diverse array of extracurricular activities and interests, including her passion for music, her athletic abilities, her care for others, and the generosity she shows by giving of her time as a Homework Center tutor for middle-school students, in addition to her fun, bubbly, and playful nature and strong faith; and
     WHEREAS, Nicole Brown has been selected to represent her community as a 2008 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her servant's heart, which is exemplified through her positive can-do attitude, her involvement in the American Diabetes Association, and devotion of her time to children with Down Syndrome through Buddy Walk, in addition to her strong academic performance and her participation in numerous extracurricular activities, including the Spanish club, varsity volleyball, and varsity golf; and
     WHEREAS, Justine Vanderpool has been selected to represent her community as the 2008 Apple Blossom Queen, in part for her interest in agriculture which is exhibited in her participation as a Future Farmers of America officer and involvement in 4-H, her desire to challenge herself academically as a Running Start participant, her involvement at school and in her community as a member of the Key Club, varsity softball, and volunteer work at the Humane Society, all of which exemplify her versatility in adapting to whatever situation arises, and brings out her love for people, animals, and the agricultural community; and
     WHEREAS, These three young women all desire to utilize their proven leadership ambition to serve their communities and be of help to those they encounter;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington honor the accomplishments of the members of the Apple Blossom Festival Court and join the City of Wenatchee and the people of the State of Washington in celebrating the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Queen Justine Vanderpool, Princess Nicole Brown, Princess Emily Love, and the Board of Directors and Chairpeople of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.