WHEREAS, The Wenatchee Valley is preparing to celebrate the 100th annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival to take place from April 25th to May 5th; and

WHEREAS, The Apple Blossom Festival, which began as a one day gathering of songs and speeches in Wenatchee's Memorial park, is the oldest major festival in the state, first celebrated in 1919 when Mrs. E. Wagner organized the first Blossom Day; and

WHEREAS, The Apple Blossom Festival recognizes three young women who by their superior and distinctive efforts have exemplified the noble spirit and meaning of the Apple Blossom Festival; and

WHEREAS, These three young women were selected to reign over the Apple Blossom Festival and serve as ambassadors to the outlying communities as princesses and queen; and

WHEREAS, Elizabeth Popoff has been selected to represent her community as a 2019 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her strong leadership ability and dedication to being an exemplary role model to younger community members, including being a Red Zone leader for the student section of her high school's athletic events, editor-in-chief of her school's yearbook, holding leadership positions in Natural Helpers and Link Leader, and dancing competitively at both the Academy of Dance and Performing Arts and Fabulous Feet Dance studio for fourteen years, as well as inspiring young dancers as a teacher at Fabulous Feet Dance studio, and serving as an intern at RH2 Engineering for the past two summers, and for her dedication to the community she loves; and

WHEREAS, Olivia Lancaster has been selected to represent her community as a 2019 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her many academic achievements and dedication to extracurricular activities, including serving as the Senior Drum Major of the Wenatchee Golden Apple Band where she plays three instruments, acting as the treasurer of her school's Honor Society, competing in cross country and track and field, working at Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort as a ski instructor in the winter, and harvesting cherries in the summer, all of which illustrate her genuine enthusiasm for the community she calls home; and

WHEREAS, Savannah Slife has been selected to represent her community as the 2019 Apple Blossom Queen, in part for her volunteer work and drive to succeed in all that she does, including playing soccer, basketball, competing in DECA, volunteering in many special education programs at her high school, staying involved in Young Life, working at the Worx Kid's Club for 3 years, founding her own nationwide company, Twisted Tomboy, when she was only 11 years old, working to obtain both her high school diploma and her Associates degree from Wenatchee Valley College, and her passion and love for the people of the Wenatchee Valley; and

WHEREAS, These three young women desire to share their proven talents and leadership ambition to serve their community and honor the 100th Anniversary of the Apple Blossom Festival;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor the accomplishments of the members of the Apple Blossom Court and join the Wenatchee Valley and the people of the State of Washington in celebrating the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival and honoring the positive impact it has had on the state of Washington for 100 years; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Queen Savannah Slife, Princess Olivia Lancaster, Princess Elizabeth Popoff, and the board of directors of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.