Washington Senate adopts resolution honoring state youth leadership programs

The Washington State Senate on Feb. 19 adopted Senate Resolution 8693 honoring students who participate in programs run or supported by the Washington State Leadership Board, including Boundless Washington, Compassion Scholars and the Washington World Fellows.

Senator Claire Wilson moved adoption of the resolution and told the Senate the programs help young people build leadership, communication skills and civic engagement. "Our youth are our future, and I am proud to stand on the floor today and honor them," Wilson said during floor remarks supporting the resolution. She named several student participants and alumni as examples of the programs’ impact, including students involved in robotics and one former participant now attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

The resolution text, as read on the floor, states that since 2022 program participants have collectively earned more than $1,500,000 in grants and scholarships that support postsecondary education and related activities. Senator Torres also spoke in support, praising the opportunities the programs provide and recounting meeting a student leader who later earned a scholarship to Harvard.

With no further remarks, the presiding officer put the question; the Senate responded "aye," and the presiding officer declared the ayes have it. The resolution was adopted. The presiding officer then welcomed members and scholars of the Washington State Leadership Board and the LGBTQ Commission Youth Advisory to the north gallery and asked the guests to stand to be recognized.

The action is ceremonial: the resolution recognizes and celebrates the leadership and service of participating youth and does not itself appropriate funds or create new statutory duties.