WHEREAS, FIRST Robotics provides students with a real world engineering environment, combining the rigors of science and technology with the competitive spirit of robotic design; and

WHEREAS, The FIRST Robotics program includes just under 250,000 students nationwide competing as teams in a battle of the minds; and

WHEREAS, FIRST Robotics has multiple divisions tailored to the age and experience of students, providing an equal playing field for students to learn and grow as individuals and engineers; and

WHEREAS, Students learn teamwork, fund-raising, and other social skills along with science and technology; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Naomi Edwards has taught and coached FIRST Robotics Team #4980, the Kettle Falls Canine Crusaders, since the fall of 2013; and

WHEREAS, The Canine Crusaders have been passionate about sharing the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs; and

WHEREAS, The Canine Crusaders understand the importance of their successes and growth; and

WHEREAS, The Canine Crusaders have shared their story with businesses, sponsors, and the Chambers of Commerce in a rural region; and

WHEREAS, The Canine Crusaders have spent time in elementary and middle schools to help expose younger students to creative, technical, and critical thinking; and

WHEREAS, The Canine Crusaders and their robot staffed a booth at the Stevens County Tech Expo; and

WHEREAS, The Canine Crusaders described the FIRST Robotics program, demonstrated their robot, and shared what STEM education means to them at the Washington Governor's Summit on Career Connected Learning; and

WHEREAS, The Canine Crusaders help and encourage the Northport High School Robotics Team, Mustang Mechanica FIRST Robotics Team #6076, as well as the Kettle Falls FIRST Robotics Lego League Robopups; and

WHEREAS, The Canine Crusaders help to build interest and encourage younger girls in STEM programs through their Faces of Engineering outreach program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize Naomi Edwards and the Canine Crusaders for their continuous efforts in promoting gracious professionalism, STEM, and outreach to their community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Naomi Edwards and the Canine Crusaders.

I, Brad Hendrickson, Secretary of the Senate,