MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2021 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Blount, Barnett, Thompson, Williams, Jackson (32nd), Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th)

Senate Concurrent Resolution 518

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING HILLCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL "LADY COUGARS" FAST PITCH SOFTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH REINALDO DIXON FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2020 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MIDSOUTH ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (MAIS) CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

     WHEREAS, we join the students, faculty and parents of Hillcrest Christian School in congratulating the "Lady Cougars" Fast Pitch Softball Team for winning the MAIS Class AAAA State Championship; and

     WHEREAS, the 2020 Cougars Fast Pitch Softball Team Roster is:  Brooke Bankston, Kendal Bankston, Reese Bishop, Addison Cohn, Lauren Cohn, Raegan Cohn, Kannon Cowart, Aaliyah Dixon, Kayla Epperson, Arleescia Figures, Beth Hamill, Payton McCoy, Skylar Pittman, Alyssa Rice and Belle West; and

     WHEREAS, the Cougars have been superbly coached by Head Coach Reinaldo Dixon and Assistant Coach Rodney West, with the assistance of Statistician, Photographer and Videographer Courtney West, who have broadened the Cougars' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

     WHEREAS, the Hillcrest Christian School Lady Cougars Fast Pitch Softball Team finished the 2020 regular season with a record of 22 wins, 8 losses and 2 ties; and the 2020 postseason with 9 wins and no losses; and

     WHEREAS, the Cougars won the 2020 MAIS South State AAAA Tournament (and the 2019 MAIS South State AAAA Tournament the previous year) and the 2020 MAIS State AAAA Tournament; and

     WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their outstanding and dedicated play this season, including Aaliyah Dixon, Belle West and Brooke Bankston named to the 2020 All-MAIS Class AAAA State Softball Team; Aaliyah Dixon and Belle West named as 2020 MAIS All-Stars; Reinaldo Dixon named "Coach of the Year"; and Belle West named "Player of the Year" in Class AAAA; and

     WHEREAS, the Cougars 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 Hillcrest Christian School; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and commend this group of student-athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and the State of Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Hillcrest Christian School Girls Fast Pitch Softball Team, Head Coach Reinaldo Dixon and Assistant Coach Rodney West, for their outstanding 2020 season, for winning the 2020 Midsouth Association of Independent Schools Class AAAA Tournament and for displaying tireless efforts to their athletic endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Reinaldo Dixon and Headmaster Gary McGee for the team, forwarded to Hillcrest Christian School Board of Trustees and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.