House Resolution 120

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SIWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL CHESS TEAM ON AN OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT.

WHEREAS, the Siwell Middle School Chess Team, the "Checkmates," competed in the United States Chess Federation's 2004 National Scholastic Chess Championship held in Dallas, Texas, finishing eighth in the nation in their division; and

WHEREAS, this is the Checkmates' second consecutive year to place nationally in the top ten, having placed ninth in the 2003 championships; and

WHEREAS, the Checkmates, throughout tournament play, defeated many well-contended teams and won the Jackson Public School 2004 Middle School Chess Tournament, with James Villes being the only undefeated player in the tournament; and

WHEREAS, the seven members of Checkmates team are: sixth graders, Fabian Broome, Julius Gladney and Jeremy Stocks; seventh graders, Curtis Taylor and James Villes; and eighth graders, Jotham Greer and Jamaal Kelly; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their fine, dedicated and superior play and their hard work this season, including Jotham Greer being awarded honorable mention and a nineteenth overall individual finish by James Villes; and

WHEREAS, the Checkmates have been superbly coached and inspired by Chess Coach Danny Gatlin, who has broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, they have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to Siwell Middle School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Siwell Middle School Checkmates Chess Team and their coach, Danny Gatlin, and Assistant Coaches for their phenomenal 2004 season, for finishing eighth in the National Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Siwell Middle School, Coach Danny Gatlin and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.