Senate Resolution 59

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE HARTFIELD ACADEMY "LADY HAWKS" VARSITY CHEER TEAM AND COACH JODI GENTRY FOR WINNING THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AT THE 2023 MAIS SPIRIT COMPETITION.

WHEREAS, we join the students, faculty, parents and administration at Hartfield Academy in Flowood, Mississippi, in recognizing their 2023 MAIS State Championship in Spirit Competition; and

WHEREAS, Hartfield Academy's "Lady Hawks" Varsity Cheer Team won the State Championship at the 2023 MAIS Spirit Competition; and

WHEREAS, the Varsity Cheer Team won First Place in Medium Varsity Tumbling Champions and Medium Varsity Gameday Runner-Up (by 1/10th of a point); and

WHEREAS, the Varsity Cheer Team is coached by Jodi Gentry. Here is what she had to say about the special day: "Competition day was amazing! I loved walking out on the floor and looking up to see our amazing school covered in gold cheering us on and then watching my team shine on that mat! We all knew it was our best performance, and we all jumped up and down and hugged each other. It was surreal! Hearing Hartfield Varsity Cheer called out as State Champions for the first time in my career here was unbelievable! Blood, sweat, tears, 6 a.m.'s and many hours of dedication to this sport and school had paid off, and I cried tears of joy." Coach Gentry went on to give a special shoutout to her seniors. "I am so thankful for this team and especially my seniors! They led our team so well and had a desire to win like nothing I have ever seen. I am so proud of them and happy they get to go out on top. They helped change Hartfield Varsity Cheer forever”; and

WHEREAS, the Hartfield Academy's "Lady Hawks" Varsity Cheer Championship Team Roster: Jane Adair Houston, Addison Ausborn, Ally Claire Morrison, Aniston Thompson, Lila Wartes, Abby Bishop, Delena Estel, Brelynn Wright, Sarah Grace Nail, Gracie Utroska, Roo Roberts, Addison Rhodes, Jensen Makamson, Mari Blake Gentry, Acey Wartes, Marilyn Myers, Abby Hall, Preslie Shelton and Aleigh Newman; 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 Hartfield Academy "Lady Hawks" Varsity Cheer Team and Coach Jodi Gentry for winning the State Championship Title at the 2023 MAIS Spirit Competition, and extend to the Cheer Team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Jodi Gentry and Hartfield Academy Principal Jim Delaughter, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of Hartfield Academy, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.