Washtucna students make history: Gov. Jay Inslee travels to Palouse Falls to sign HB 2119

Washtucna School District students made history on March 18 when Governor Jay Inslee traveled to Palouse Falls State Park to designate Palouse Falls as Washington’s official state waterfall.

The students’ excitement was palpable as they anxiously awaited Inslee’s arrival at the park, and their enthusiasm became evident as they watched the proceedings with great anticipation. Inslee invited the third through sixth grade students from Washtucna, who drafted House Bill 2119, to stand beside him as he officially signed the document in front of the falls on Tuesday afternoon.

Inslee seemed to enjoy the moment as much as the students, and even stated during his welcome address that is was the best day in his term as governor so far. Upon arrival at the falls, he bypassed going directly to the table set up for him and went straight to see the sights.

The event was put in motion under the leadership and direction of Washtucna teachers Janet Camp and Amy Whipple. The teachers teamed up to create a more hands-on civics lesson for the students as a state classroom requirement, but the project developed into something larger than they had ever thought possible.

Community members from Ritzville, Benge, LaCrosse, Washtucna and Kahlotus packed into the park to witness history being made. The Washtucna School District brought all of the students to the event to celebrate the achievements of the 30 students involved with drafting and eventually passing the bill.

Also present at the event were Representative Joe Schmick, Representative Susan Fagan and Senator Mark Schoesler. The trio made the trip to celebrate the achievements of students within their district and to watch the dedication of a state landmark.

Schmick played an instrumental role in the creation of the bill and traveled to Washtucna last fall to help the students with a basic lesson in drafting of bills and legislative process. His trip helped students learn they had a voice in legislature when it came to creating laws, Camp said, and the students dove whole-heartedly into the project.

“They did all the work on this. I was just a vehicle that just helped move it along. But they did work, they did the research, they actually wrote the bill. And I was frankly surprised at how few changes there were when it came back from the code reviser to make it really legal,” Schmick said of the students. “So they did an outstanding job. Kudos to them, they’re the reasons why we’re here.”

Schoesler commended Schmick for his involvement and dedication to the bill, and displayed his excitement for the designation of the falls coming the year before Lyons Ferry State Park reopens.

Schoesler said he believes the two parks being tied together will showcase recreation and the natural wonders of the area.

“What a great outdoor classroom for you all to come and attend. What a monumental event,” Washington State Parks Director Doug Hoch said, as he welcomed everyone. “This is going to bring economic development, tourism and people from all over the country. And we’re very proud of the effort of our school kids.”

“I just want to say, Ms. Whipple and Mrs. Camp, and their team of kids, are the next state legislature. And I will be glad to help them with their campaigns when they’re ready,” Fagan added. “I would say all of you, get behind them, they are our future and thank you so much for working so hard.”

Inslee shared in commending the students for their efforts, and said they should be proud of making history in an extremely historic region.

“We’ve got some of the future leaders, in fact they’re not future leaders they’re current leaders, in the state of Washington. Because of your legislative entrepreneurship you’ve made law in the state of Washington,” Inslee said to the students.

“This is quite an accomplishment for Janet and Amy, you really represent what is going on in our schools throughout the state of Washington. And that is you are challenging your students to come up with creative thinking,” Inslee said. “As I understand it, this whole legislative actions started because you challenged your students to come up with some innovative thinking. I’ve seen that kind of innovation going on with our school teachers all over the state of Washington and I want to thank you for your leadership.”

As Inslee put pen to paper to officially sign HB 2119, squeals of delight and small celebrations rippled through the group of students. A couple of exclamations of “We did it!” could also be heard as students began to cheer when Inslee raised his pen.

Among the visitors to the park, David Baumann had the opportunity to be a part of history at Palouse Falls for the second time in his life. At six-months old, Baumann attended the dedication of Palouse Falls State Park in 1951.

Baumann said he could not pass up the opportunity to attend the ceremony, as his connection to the park stems back to his grandfather, John Baumann. John was instrumental in the park’s designation, which displays the long-standing dedication the Washtucna community has to Palouse Falls.

“It’s very emotional,” Camp said after the ceremony. “To be able to give something to the kids like this, it’s life changing.”

“It’s been a very emotional day. Between seeing everything come to fruition and having the governor come, just all of this,” Whipple said. “You could just feel the energy when we got here, everybody was excited.”

“It’s been a big learning experience, not just for the kids, but for us. I’ve learned a lot,” Whipple said.

Third grader Cooper Jessop, the youngest in the third through sixth grade classes, received a very unexpected surprise on Tuesday.

“Everyday in the state of Washington, the governor, he gets to name the Washingtonian of the Day,” Inslee began. “Now today, because Cooper has been a great leader and led the Washtucna Schools, he’s the Washingtonian of the Day and I’m giving him the governor’s apple pin, symbolizing your great leadership.”

“I’m very happy, very excited!” Jessop said after being donned with the pin. “I thought he was going to name the falls after me.”

“It’s a very happy memory I can give to my kids and my grandkids,” eight-year-old Jessop said.

This is Jessop’s third trip to Palouse Falls and he said besides the waterfall, his favorite thing is the marmot because it is cute and has a squeaky voice. Inslee shared in the fondness for the animal and enjoyed seeing them among the rocks. It has been 15 years since Inslee last visited the park.

“It’s very inspirational for a governor,” Inslee said about the Washtucna students. “One, it is great to see the eloquence and the ingenuity …

Second, it’s wonderful to see the confidence it has given the students.”

Inslee added it is innovative teaching techniques that challenge students and create projects such as this that instill lifelong lessons within youth. It also teaches the children creativity, Inslee said.

Camp and Whipple said the final task for the students to complete the project is to write thank you notes and essays about the experience and the lessons learned.