WHEREAS, The Washington Future Farmers of America Association currently supports approximately eleven thousand student members throughout the state of Washington in nine regional FFA districts; and

WHEREAS, Washington agriculture alone generates $10.16 billion along with another $20.1 billion in food processing, totaling $30.26 billion, making it a pivotal necessity within the Washington state economy; and

WHEREAS, Washington FFA members' continuous efforts culminated in four chapters being named national finalists in the National Chapter Award Program, which recognizes the top ten chapters in the nation out of eight thousand five hundred sixty-eight chapters nationwide; and

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

WHEREAS, The Washington FFA Convention and Expo brings together approximately three thousand students to compete in Career and Leadership Development Events where students are evaluated on skills ranging from communications to mechanics. Students work in teams or as individuals; and

WHEREAS, Teachers, administrators, and industry representatives gather at the Washington FFA Convention and Expo to celebrate FFA student success and educational achievement while providing insight for their future in agricultural related careers; and

WHEREAS, The Washington FFA Convention and Expo recognizes student success through Career and Leadership Development Events as well as the work completed in the students' Supervised Agricultural Experiences and Chapter Projects by awarding four State Star Awards and nearly two hundred State Degrees; and

WHEREAS, The Education Expo that takes place at the Washington FFA Convention and Expo invites representatives of industry and businesses from across the state of Washington to speak with students about how their education and FFA experiences can prepare them for career success; and

WHEREAS, Each year, a team of six Washington FFA State Officers defer a year of education to serve the Washington FFA Association as student representatives and on the final day of the State Convention the 2018-2019 State Officers will be elected to serve and support Washington FFA members and the Washington agricultural industry;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate commend the Washington FFA Association for preparing its members to be successful in the agricultural industry by promoting their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success and recognize their hard work and dedication at the eighty-eighth Washington FFA Convention and Expo, which will be held May 10th through 12th, 2018.