City Council - Regular Meeting

That's pretty cool to see, isn't it? Well, I had a question. Look at that face. I had a question just to try to understand how high that is. And I'm wondering, did you spot something unusual here in the chambers that would have indicated how high it is?

I'm looking around now.

There's a piece of tape up there on the wall. And can you believe you went up that high?

17 feet 6 inches?

Okay, congratulations. That's pretty exciting. So I would like to ask you a couple questions just to help us understand what it means to do what you did. Like, were you a gymnast when you were growing up?

No, I was not a great flag football player, actually.

Oh, and so this was a default for something to do?

I think so, yeah. Up until, like, seventh grade, I just did, you know, little soccer, football, that was about it. But in seventh grade, she went to state, and then we got a pole vault pit in our backyard. I mean, you can't really not pole vault if you have a pole vault pit in your backyard.

And that's pretty technical, too. How did you learn all the technique?

Just pole vaulting thousands, thousands of times. Repetition is probably the only answer to that.

Right. Instead of being on the video games, you're out there pole vaulting. And so did your little or your big sister teach you everything you learned?

She taught me, yeah, a lot.

So anything else someone would like to say? Coach, dad, mom?

His kid's really special. I have no doubt that the next two years he can go back to back to back. And once I have no doubt that he will probably hit 18 feet, maybe toying with 19. And just so you guys know, the world record is roughly the world record set by Mondo Duplantis is what, 20 feet? 20 feet, seven. So they go up roughly in six inch increments. So I truly believe that he can hit 19. He will be only two increments away from being at that level. And I just really impressed with him. And I can't wait to see what happens in the next two years.

That's very exciting, and we're going to have to get a higher roof put in here if that happens. Well, at this point, I'd like to read a proclamation in your honor.

And I forgot my glasses, so here we go.

Whereas the city of Richland takes great pride in recognizing and celebrating local students who exemplify excellence, determination, and dedication in academics, athletics, and community life, And whereas Jonathan Allen, a sophomore student athlete at Hanford High School, has distinguished himself through exceptional athletic ability, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the sport of track and field. And whereas in the 2026 Washington Interscholastic Activities Association State Track and Field Championships in Tacoma, Washington, Jonathan Allen set a new all-time Washington State High School pole vault record with a vault of 17 feet, six inches, capturing the state record the Class IV-A state title and surpassing the previous state record of 17 feet 5 inches. And whereas this achievement is a product of countless hours of practice, a remodeled backyard it sounds like too, and the steadfast support of Jonathan's family, coaches, teammates, and school community, and stands as an inspiration to fellow students and aspiring athletes throughout Richland. And whereas Jonathan's accomplishment brings great distinction to Hanford High School, the Richland School District, and the City of Richland, embodying the values of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence that define our community. Now, therefore, I, Theresa Richardson, by the power vested as Mayor of the City of Richland, do hereby proudly recognize and congratulate Jonathan Allen for his outstanding achievement. and recognize this day as your day. Thank you.