Washington Educations Foundation's Governor's Scholarship (As Written)

June 2, 2006

Governor Gregoire: Thank you, Governor Locke.

And thank you for your commitment to the Governor�s Scholarship program. You have played a huge role in the success of this program and in the lives of students who receive these scholarships.

You have been a gracious host of the Governor�s Cup Golf Tournament each year to raise the funds the program needs to support these worthy students. I really enjoyed attending the tournament this year and meeting many of this program�s supporters.

I didn�t actually get to play � an experience you may remember from your days as Governor -- but my husband Mike had a good couple of holes and I�m pleased to see hear you�ve polished up your golf game since you left office.

Thank you again, Governor Locke.

I�d also like to thank Bob Craves and Ann Ramsay-Jenks, co-founders of the Washington Education Foundation. You are amazing people. Your foundation is doing so much to build public awareness about the importance of higher education and lifelong learning and their work to provide pathways for students from traditionally underrepresented groups to attend and succeed in college.

I also thank the scholarship selection committee for reviewing and choosing among the many worth applicants. Your job is a difficult one, but it must be very inspiring to read the stories of these special students from around our state.

There is a group of people here who especially deserve your recognition. I would like all the foster parents present here today to stand up so we can thank you for your tireless work on behalf of foster children.

You step up to care for children who need a safe and stable place to call home. I have so much respect for the work you do. And these students here today are proof that you are doing a wonderful job.

Now I want to recognize the group of people we are here to celebrate this afternoon. Congratulations to this year�s recipients of the Governor�s Scholarship! [lead applause]

I am so proud of this elite group of students. Far too few of our foster care students graduate from high school, let alone college. But not only are you among the best and brightest students in foster care, you are among the best and brightest high school students in this state, period.

You have shown us all how far you can get with raw ambition and steely determination. You had every reason to fail, but you knew your own potential and you beat the odds.

I am pleased that we can help you pay for their education. I can think of no better investment we could make. Any one of you could be our state�s next great scientist, finding a cure for debilitating diseases.

Or you might become a leading software designer, following in the footsteps of Paul Allen and Bill Gates. Or perhaps you�ll found the next multi-million dollar corporation like Starbucks. Or maybe you�ll become teachers, inspiring our next generation.

Or, are we in the presence of a future governor? One need only to look at both Governor Locke and I to realize that you can find your way to the Governor�s Mansion from humble beginnings.

The possibilities are endless. And through the dedication of foster parents and the generosity of the donors to the Governor�s Scholarship Program, we are helping to unlock those possibilities.

Whatever successful venture you end up involved with, I hope you will also take some time to give back to your communities. You have unique perspectives and talents to share with those who might be in situations similar to those you may have faced. You have the power to inspire with the successes you have achieved.

Congratulations again to this year�s Governor�s Scholarship recipients. I look forward to meeting each of you during today�s ceremony. And I look forward to hearing from each of you in the future as you travel down the path to success.

Thank you.


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