House Resolution 19

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BAY HIGH SCHOOL STEPPERS FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Bay High School Steppers competed in the Class 4A Division at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) State Dance Competition in 2013, and were selected by judges as the 2013 State Dance Champions, sealing the teams fate as a four-time state champion, who additionally won their fifth consecutive 1st place award in the Home Routine Category at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Summer Camp in Panama City Beach, Florida, on June 11-14, 2013; and

WHEREAS, this year the Bay High School Steppers solidified their rise to championship status by continuing their reign of superiority established the past four years after winning the 2009 MHSAA Class 4A State Kick Championship, the 2010 Grand State Championship and the 2011 Grand State Championship; and

WHEREAS, remaining true to form and the niche for a tradition of greatness common among those who bear the title "champion," the Bay Steppers' assent to the pinnacle of greatness was marked by a litany of individual and team triumphs, including: the Superior Trophy for Individual Evaluations; the UDA Spirit Stick and the Super Spirit Stick; first place in Drill Downs; the selection of freshman Shelby Furr as recipient of the Drill Down Queen award; and the naming of seven Bay High School seniors, Madeleine Aubert, Chelsea Frederick, Roselea Garland, Alexis Hoffmann, Sarah Ladner, Chelsea Passantino and Alexandra Walker, to the UDA All-Americans and afforded the opportunity to travel and perform in London's New Year's Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, the student leadership of the Bay Steppers is reflective of the commitment to sportsmanship and precision choreography privileged Stepper officers Alexandra Walker, Chelsea Passantino, Chelsea Frederick and Sarah Ladner were to be invited to travel and perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City; and

WHEREAS, as a result of their exceptional skills and well composed choreography, which catapulted the Bay High Steppers to championship status, the team was also invited to perform at the Capital One Bowl Game Halftime Show and qualified to participate in the UDA National Dance Team Competition, both to be held in Orlando, Florida; and

WHEREAS, the Bay High School Steppers is comprised of: Captains Alex Walker, Chelsea Passantino, Chelsea Frederick and Sarah Ladner; seniors, Madeleine Aubert, Rosie Garland and Alexis Hoffmann; junior, Alex Spoon; sophomores, Madelynn Garza, Addie Haas, Alyssa Ragas and Abrey Strong; and freshmen, Malori Bourn, Madonna Fontenot, Shelby Furr, Gabrielle Ladner, Tarah Necaise and Jill Seymour; and

WHEREAS, the Bay High School Steppers have been superbly coached by Priscilla Austin and Danielle Leblanc, choreographed by Hope Walley and managed by student manager, Kirsten Loftin, who have refined their skills in execution, acrobatics and dance; and

WHEREAS, these young people have practiced and worked together for many hours in the pursuit of excellence and have shown a high degree of sportsmanship while representing the State of Mississippi on the national level; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the young people of our state, such as the Bay High School Steppers, 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 Bay High School Steppers upon winning the 2013 Class 4A State Championship at the Mississippi High School Activities Association State Dance Competition and winning their fifth consecutive 1st place award in the Home Routine Category at the Universal Dance Association Summer Camp and extend sincere wishes for continued success in all of their academic and athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Bay High School Steppers Coaches Priscilla Austin and Danielle Leblanc, choreographer Hope Walley and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.