Whereas, This competition, open to all Michigan students in grades fourth through twelfth, emphasizes social studies skills and knowledge, participatory experience, and social and intellectual interactions by asking the participants to plan activities as a group and to cooperate with their ensemble; and,

Whereas, The goals and objectives of this special event are to increase student and teacher interest in the education of social studies, to offer contests that lead to improvement in social studies curriculum and instructional practices, to provide opportunities for students and teachers to gain individual and team recognition for academic accomplishments, and to provide opportunities for the development of positive public relations between social studies educators and the community; and,

Whereas, In the last sixteen years, the Social Studies Olympiad has increased student interest in social studies education, encouraged a greater appreciation for this subject and recognized the very important role played by social studies educators in our Michigan schools; and now therefore be it

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 12, 2003, as Michigan Social Studies Olympiad Day in Michigan and I encourage all Michigan students, parents and teachers to actively participate in social studies education.