WHEREAS, Washington agriculture generates 10.2 billion dollars annually and is a cornerstone of the Washington state economy; and

WHEREAS, Washington FFA members' continuous efforts culminated in a record-setting five chapters being named as national finalists in the national chapter awards program, which recognizes the top ten chapters in the nation in four qualifying areas out of the 7,859 chapters nationwide; and

WHEREAS, The Yelm chapter was named the national winner in Models of Excellence and the Omak chapter was named the national winner of Models of Innovation Chapter Development, at the 2016 National FFA Convention; and

WHEREAS, Washington FFA members contribute to the nationally generated 4.4 billion dollars through their Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, which are an extension of their classroom instruction; and

WHEREAS, National FFA week is celebrated annually nationwide during the week of George Washington's birthday, in celebration of his legacy as an agriculturalist, and to emphasize the importance of the foundation of agriculture to FFA members; and

WHEREAS, The FFA motto: "Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve" gives direction and purpose to students who take an active role in succeeding in agricultural education; and

WHEREAS, FFA promotes citizenship, volunteerism, patriotism, and cooperation through approximately 482,000 service hours which equates to an economic impact of over 10.9 million dollars nationally; and

WHEREAS, Agricultural education and FFA ensure a steady supply of young professionals to meet the growing needs of science, business, and technology in the agricultural industry; and

WHEREAS, Agricultural education is the original science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education model, and agricultural education is celebrating 100 years as a result of the Smith-Hughes Act influencing more than 50,000 Washington students enrolled in agricultural education courses annually; and

WHEREAS, Washington FFA week is recognized by over 9,000 members statewide;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington state Senate recognize Washington's FFA members and their excellence in the agricultural field during the celebration of FFA week, February 18th through 25th.