Senate Resolution 97

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING ALEXEI OROHOVSKY OF HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI, FOR WINNING A GOLD MEDAL IN THE 12TH USA INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION HELD IN JACKSON.

WHEREAS, Alexei Orohovsky, a 16-year-old who grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, won a gold medal in the 12th USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Orohovsky received the medal in the Junior Males category at the USA IBC Awards Gala at Thalia Mara Hall; and

WHEREAS, "I am truly honored to have been awarded the gold medal when there are so many deserving dancers," said Orohovsky. "This has been the most incredible experience and I am so thankful to everyone that helped me get to where I am. It is a dream come true"; and

WHEREAS, the USA IBC announced the list of 14 finalists. The list included three finalists in the Junior Females category, four in the Junior Males category, three in the Senior Females category and four in the Senior Males category; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the possibility of winning a medal or special award, each finalist had the opportunity to perform at the Awards Gala, which was held on June 23, 2023, sponsored by C Spire as the "C Spire Encore Gala"; and

WHEREAS, in order for Orohovsky to be a finalist, he had to go through three rounds of competition. He is the second Mississippian to win a medal in the 44 years the International Ballet Competition has been in Jackson; and

WHEREAS, the USA International Ballet Competition, or USA IBC, is one of the world's top competitions for ballet. In 1982, the United States Congress passed a Joint resolution designating Jackson, Mississippi, as the official home of the USA International Ballet Competition. Competitions occur every four years in Olympic style; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize a young Mississippi citizen whose incredible artistic talent has brought honor to his community, to the State of Mississippi, and to the United States:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Alexei Orohovsky of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, for winning a gold medal in the 12th USA International Ballet Competition held in Jackson, Mississippi, and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate for future competition success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Alexei Orohovsky and his family, forwarded to the Board of Directors of the USA IBC and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.