WHEREAS, A quality education is the foundation of a child's future and Catholic schools are one of the many types of education choices available to our children; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools provide a quality education with emphasis on moral values, academic excellence, leadership, and community service resulting in high school graduation rates of 99 percent; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools are committed to educating students of diverse religious, national, and ethnic backgrounds; and
     WHEREAS, Catholic schools provide an excellent alternative for 30,000 students in over 90 Catholic schools throughout Washington State; and
     WHEREAS, Providing a Catholic education is an integral part of the mission of the Catholic Church which saves Washington State citizens the cost of educating these students in public schools; and
     WHEREAS, The Catholic schools' emphasis on religious, academic, and cocurricular programs has produced many of our nation's and state's finest leaders including members of this legislature; and
     WHEREAS, The nationwide celebration of Catholic Schools Week for 2010 emphasizes "Dividends for Life--Morals, Discipline, Knowledge, and Faith";
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the Catholic schools of Washington State and honor their academic excellence and faith-based instruction during this celebration of Catholic Schools Week, January 31, 2010, through February 6, 2010; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the school departments at the Archdiocese of Seattle, the Diocese of Spokane, the Diocese of Yakima, and the Washington State Catholic Conference.