House Resolution 70

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WEST LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, in December 2015, the West Lauderdale Cheerleading Squad reached the pinnacle of its sport by winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Cheerleading State Championship, and earned themselves an enduring place in the annals of the school's history books; and

WHEREAS, earning the MHSAA State Championship in the Small Varsity Division required uncompromising dedication and commitment from the entire team and coaching staff as evidenced by their dazzling on stage performance that earned them the 2015 state championship trophy, which is the sixth State Championship trophy in the school's accomplished history; and

WHEREAS, upon winning the Mississippi State Championship the squad was invited to participate in the Universal Cheer Association's National High School Cheer Competition, which is the most prestigious cheerleading competition in the country; and

WHEREAS, in February 2016, the national competition was hosted in Orlando, Florida, where the West Lauderdale Cheerleaders brought their best; they again demonstrated incomparable talent and skill, and earned the title of National Champions in the Large Game Day Division, bringing the trophy and title of National Champion home to Collinsville, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, leading this talented team of National and State Champions is Head Coach Charlotte Chaney, who is supported by Assistant Coach Sara Freeman, along with competition Dance Choreographers Laura Posey and Johnny Taylor, who together combined their considerable talents and years of experience to lead the West Lauderdale Cheerleaders towards the state and national championships; and

WHEREAS, the West Lauderdale championship roster includes: Captains, Darby Chaney and Leah Lott; team members, Ashley Gattis, Taylor Ketchens, Rebekah Scitzs, Taylor Slay, Amberlee Akin, Alyssa Boykin, Kaitlyn Buchanan, Chloe Gant, Kamryn Gilbert, Hallie Mayat, Lora Shepherd, Kellis Adams, Makenzie Bohl, Michaiah Bolar, Raylie Jo Dandridge, Madelyn Gray and Olivia Gray; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of student athletes such as the West Lauderdale High School Cheerleading Squad for distinguishing itself on the state and national level, earning a Mississippi High School Activities Association State Championship and a national championship respectively, and in so doing they have brought great honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the West Lauderdale High School Cheerleaders and Head Coach Charlotte Chaney upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association State Championship and winning the Universal Cheer Association's National High School Cheerleading Competition, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Charlotte Chaney, Lauderdale County School District Superintendent Randy Hodges and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.