Here is the text of the Proclamation:

Whereas: The State of Minnesota recognizes the important for all students to reach higher levels of achievement in mathematics as the shift to an information and technology economy takes place; and

Whereas: MATHCOUNTS, a program that encourages interest and proficiency in mathematics among all intermediate school students, is the oldest math competition program in the state; and

Whereas: MATHCOUNTS combines high quality materials that serve as rich supplements to core curricula with a series of competitions that recognizes and encourages math achievement; and

Whereas: This marks the 21st consecutive year in which members of the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers have sponsored a MATHCOUNTS program in Minnesota; and

Whereas: It is appropriate to recognize the achievements of the sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who are competing in the state MATHCOUNTS competition Saturday, March 20, 2004, and to recognize the hard work of their teacher-coaches;

NOW, THEREFORE I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, declare March 20, 2004, to be: