Megan Drews, HFK graduate, stands with King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson, after being congratulated on her winning entry.
...excerpted from the " NEWS from the Metropolitan King County Council" ....
October 22, 2007
Council selects “The Chinook Building” as name for New County Office Building
A name suggested by an 8th grader from Kirkland was unanimously selected today by the Metropolitan King County Council for a 13-story facility in downtown Seattle that until now known only as the “New County Office Building.”
“The Chinook Building” is the entry chosen by the Council from 140 entries submitted earlier this year by middle school students from throughout King County. The name was submitted by Megan Drews, who was a student at Holy Family School in Kirkland when she entered the contest. Drews was presented with a special recognition from the Council after they endorsed her selection.
“It is an important name to me and my family because it celebrates our Northwest native heritage,” said Megan, who is now a freshman at Eastside Catholic High School in Bellevue. “Along with our heritage, it is a great fish to eat!”
“This building now has a name that reflects the natural heritage of our region,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, sponsor of the naming contest and today’s ordinance. “My goal was to encourage our young people to examine Northwest history for ideas, and we received a tremendous response. I congratulate all of the boys and girls who participated.”
I’m proud that young people throughout King County took pride and ownership in their government by participating in the contest to name the new county office building,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “These bright young citizens are our future, the Chinook Building is theirs, and both King County government and Chinook salmon will need their participation and efforts to thrive.”