Part of their day was spent on the Senate floor being recognized as representatives of their community.

Parlette, rising to encourage passage of Senate Resolution 8660, told her Senate colleagues what a pleasure and honor it was to have the Apple Blossom royalty visiting Olympia.

“You always brighten our day,” Parlette told the young women during the Senate proceedings. Parlette also pointed out that the second sponsor on her Apple Blossom resolution was a Western Washington senator whose district celebrates the Daffodil Festival each year – making this a truly bipartisan, cross-state effort.

Following Parlette’s remarks, Queen Katherine spoke before the Senate and invited everyone to attend this year’s Apple Blossom festival starting April 23. Following the Senate activities, the young women toured the Capitol and met with legislators and Gov. Christine Gregoire. Later they shared their thoughts about their time in Olympia.

“Today was an amazing experience,” said Safar. “We had the opportunity to experience so much, from meeting the governor to addressing the Senate. Today was a lifelong memory and an unforgettable experience.”

Higgins talked about how good it was to be back in Olympia.

“I had the privilege of serving the Legislature a page in eighth grade, and it’s great to be back,” she said. “I especially enjoyed being in front of the Senate and meeting with the governor.”

“I was so happy we had the opportunity to get personal tours of places we would not have otherwise been able to go,” said Allstot. “It was a wonderful day.” 

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For more information contact Rebecca Japhet
at (360) 786-7516 or japhet.rebecca@leg.wa.gov