WHEREAS, The Wenatchee Valley is preparing to celebrate the 101st annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival to take place from April 23rd to May 3rd; 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, Kaia St. John has been selected to represent her community as a 2020 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her many academic achievements and dedication to extracurricular activities, including being part of her High School's ASB for three consecutive years as Senate Member, Student Body Secretary, and Senior Class President; she was involved in the school newspaper, Horticulture and Honors Society, and she has one year of work experience as a tutor and mentor at a middle school after school program while also working on obtaining her High School Diploma and her Associates degree from Wenatchee Valley College; all of which illustrate her kindness, optimism, and love for her community; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Norland has been selected to represent her community as a 2020 Apple Blossom Princess, in part for her strong leadership skills and dedication to be an exemplary role model to her community, she is the ASB President of her high school, has been a leader in the Random Acts of Kindness Club since middle school, is involved in Honor Society, is currently working on her fourth varsity letter in Community Service, founded an annual Duathlon to raise money for a local beneficiary, is involved in Young Life as a music leader and a volunteer at a month long camp, is a second year Running Start student involved in American Sign Language Club, and is an award winning poet at Wenatchee Valley College, all of which show her dedication to the community she loves; and

WHEREAS, Tess Sparks has been selected to represent her community as the 2020 Apple Blossom Queen, in part for her leadership, volunteer work, and drive to succeed in all that she does, including being the President of her high school's National Honor Society, and being captain of her soccer team her senior year, helping her team win the District Championship title for the first time in her high school's history; she volunteers in the Wenatchee Valley as a member of the Key Club, is a Link Crew Member Leader where she helps students transition from Junior High to High School, and in her free time she enjoys hiking and taking pictures of the beautiful Wenatchee Valley; and

WHEREAS, These three young women desire to share their proven talents and leadership to serve their community and honor the 101st 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 Royal 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 101 years; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Queen Tess Sparks, Princess Kaia St. John, Princess Kelly Norland, and the board of directors of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.