SENATE RESOLUTION
8653



By Senators Parlette, Honeyford, Hasegawa, Hill, Becker, Schoesler, Rivers, Bailey, Tom, Baumgartner, Padden, Braun, Fraser, Kohl-Welles, Dammeier, Hatfield, and Conway

     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 94th annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival to take place from April 25, 2013, through May 5, 2013; 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, 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, Maggie Chvilicek has been selected to represent her community as a 2013 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her generous, kind, and independent character, her outstanding leadership as demonstrated by her being President of Wenatchee High School's Honor Society and Captain of the Cross Country Team, her everlasting commitment to her community and others as a volunteer and friend, and her love for her family; and
     WHEREAS, Madi Still has been selected to represent her community as a 2013 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her poise, intelligence, and humility, her strong academic performance at Wenatchee High School and extracurricular activities including Drama Club, Teens Against Tobacco Use, and Honor Society, her contributions to Central Washington Hospital as a volunteer, and her longstanding support of the community she has always lived in; and
     WHEREAS, Emily Abbott has been selected to represent her community as the 2013 Apple Blossom Queen, in part for her patience, energy, and optimism, her love for the stage as an amazing singer and actress, her achievements at Eastmont High School as President of Chamber Choir and participation in Jazz Choir, Honor Society, Cross Country, and Future Business Leaders of America, and her exceptional kindness to friends, family, and everyone throughout the community she calls home; and
     WHEREAS, These three young women all desire to share their proven talents and leadership ambition to serve their community and be an encouragement 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 Emily Abbott, Princess Madi Still, Princess Maggie Chvilicek, and the Board of Directors and Chairs of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.