WHEREAS, the Salem High School Laconian staff was honored by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association with a prestigious Silver Crown award for the 2012 - 2013 edition of the school's yearbook; and

WHEREAS, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association evaluated a total of 1,236 entries for the 2012 - 2013 academic year on writing, editing, design, content, concept, photography, art, and graphics; and

WHEREAS, the Laconian was one of only 24 high school yearbooks selected from across the country to receive the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown award; and

WHEREAS, the Salem High School Laconian yearbook provides an opportunity for student staff members to gain valuable experience in a variety of areas related to publishing under the guidance of faculty advisor Katie Lewis; and

WHEREAS, continuing a tradition of excellence with the 2012 - 2013 Silver Crown, the staff members of the Laconian have previously earned four Gold Crown awards; and

WHEREAS, the Laconian advisor and staff members traveled to Columbia University in New York City to accept the Silver Crown award; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Salem High School Laconian staff on earning a Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown award for the school's 2012 - 2013 edition of its yearbook; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Katie Lewis, advisor of the Salem High School Laconian staff, as an expression of the General Assembly's congratulations and admiration for the staff's hard work and continued success.