MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2024 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Whaley, Blackwell, Parker, McLendon, Boyd, Suber

Senate Resolution 88

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DANCE TEAM AND COACH PATRICE CHRISTIAN FOR WINNING THE 2024 OPEN HIP-HOP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

     WHEREAS, the Northwest Mississippi Community College Dance Team won the Gold Medal in the Open Hip-Hop Finals at the UCA/UDA College Nationals on January 12-14, 2024, marking the program's first-ever National Championship; and

     WHEREAS, competing at nationals for just the second time ever, Head Coach Patrice Christian's Northwest Dance Team advanced to the finals in every division they competed in throughout the weekend, and in the Open Hip-Hop category, Northwest avenged last year's second-place finish by earning first in both the semifinals and finals, as the "Rangers" topped the semifinals with a raw score of 92.3833 and an event score of 87.9841, beating out 15 other programs; and

     WHEREAS, in the finals, Northwest posted a raw score of 92.65 and an event score of 88.2381, far ahead of runners-up West Chester University (85 score) and Wisconsin-Eau Claire (81.0159 score); and

     WHEREAS, during the championship series, the "Rangers" also brought home the Bronze in the Open Game Day Division, and after competing in the semifinals against 15 teams, Northwest earned fifth place with an 84.45 score, before rising to third in the finals with a result of 86.7; and

     WHEREAS, under the leadership of Head Coach Patrice Christian, the "Rangers" did an exceptional job of working together for this highly pursued goal; and

     WHEREAS, the Northwest Mississippi Community College Dance Team is comprised of the following talented athletes:  Makenzie Sandridge, Meredith Powell, Ashtyn Farris, Emma Bichon, Taylor Threatt, Mark Holmes, Amari Dawkins, Kamarion Hooks, Lauren Deep, Khavion Jones, Tatiana Birr, Katie Brewer, Blessyn Davis, Kenya Kizart, Halle Holman, Nataliah Robinson, Brianna Davis, Amarion Hooks and Jeffrey Jones; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and commend outstanding student-athletes whose championship brought honor to their school 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 Northwest Mississippi Community College Dance Team and Coach Patrice Christian for winning the 2024 Open Hip-Hop National Championship, and extend best wishes for continued success in all their future athletic and academic endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Patrice Christian, the President of Northwest Mississippi College, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.