Senate Resolution 58

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PASCAGOULA HIGH SCHOOL NAVY JROTC AIR RIFLE TEAM FOR WINNING STATE AND REGIONAL TITLES AND QUALIFYING FOR THE ALL-SERVICE JROTC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, we join the students, faculty and Pascagoula Community in recognizing the Pascagoula "Panthers" Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) Air Rifle Team for winning State and Regional Titles and for their outstanding achievement at the National Competition which earned them the opportunity to compete at the All-Military JROTC Competition; and

WHEREAS, the Pascagoula NJROTC Air Rifle Team competed against the Navy's very best at the Navy Air Rifle National Championship. Of the 620 Navy JROTC Units from around the country, only the top 24 teams qualify for this event; and the Pascagoula Panthers finished in sixth place. This win allowed Pascagoula High School to move on, to represent the Navy and Pascagoula against the Army's, Air Force's and the United States Marine Corps' best at the All-Service JROTC National Championship in Port Clinton, Ohio. Only the top seven schools in each service earn this opportunity; and

WHEREAS, knowing they needed a solid performance to qualify, Samuel Nason and Dayanara Lopez led the team with a score of 537 each, while teammates Diego Ramos added a 534 and Haleiana Jones a 520; propelling them from ninth into qualifying sixth place. Cadet Lopez shot a personal best in the kneeling position with a 193 out of a possible 200 points to guarantee the team's qualification; and

WHEREAS, Coach Greg Goley, a retired Navy Master Chief, said Pascagoula High School started the Air Rifle Team about four years ago. "It's similar to golf. People are quiet while you're shooting, for the most part. It's a lot of focus. I set expectations for these kids, and they've surpassed those expectations. Now they have high expectations on themselves," added Goley; and

WHEREAS, the JROTC Postal Competition is one of the most participated in shooting competitions in the United States. Each year, thousands of JROTC Cadets, representing Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force JROTCs compete in the Postal Competition; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Pascagoula High School Navy JROTC Air Rifle Team for winning the State and Regional Titles and qualifying for the All-Service JROTC National Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for continued competition success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Greg Goley and Pascagoula High School Principal Dr. Caterria B. Payton, forwarded to the Pascagoula School Board and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.