Senate Resolution 59

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE KIRK ACADEMY RAIDERETTES AND RAIDERS CROSS-COUNTRY TEAMS AND COACH CHUCK ROSE FOR SWEEPING THE 4A MIDSOUTH ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

WHEREAS, in a remarkable achievement for the boys and girls cross country teams of Kirk Academy in Grenada, Mississippi, they secured the Class 4A Midsouth Association of Independent Schools State Championships in back-to-back weeks, marking a historic sweep for the school in October 2024; and

WHEREAS, the Raiderettes Top 5 runners finished First, Third, Fifth, Sixth, and Tenth (all five earning the honor of MAIS All State Runner). These were: Charley Rose, First Place; Joleigh Sultan, Third Place; Jana Mims, Fifth Place, Parker Avant, Sixth Place; and Addison Kilgore, Tenth Place; and

WHEREAS, the Raiders won the title while competing with only Junior Varsity runners, with the Top 5 finishing Second, Fourth, Seventh, Ninth, and Tenth (all five earning the honor of MAIS All-State Runner). These were: Cullom Crowe, Second Place; Jack Cravens, Fourth Place; Maverick Fowler, Seventh Place; Dawson Campbell, Ninth Place; and Russell Mims, Tenth Place; and

WHEREAS, for the girls, this is the fifth title in school history, and the third for the boys; and

WHEREAS, Coach Chuck Rose has led the team for 13 years, and this is the first time since 2015 that both the boys and the girls won the state title in the same year; and

WHEREAS, Junior Charley Rose won her fourth straight Individual Cross Country State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the success of Kirk Academy's Cross-Country Program is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes, as well as the strong support from school administrators and the Kirk Academy Athletic Department; and

WHEREAS, with both boys and girls teams claiming state titles in cross country, Kirk Academy has cemented itself as a dominant force in Mississippi Cross Country, showcasing not just talent but a spirit of teamwork, determination and community pride:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Kirk Academy Raiderettes and Raiders Cross-Country Teams and Coach Chuck Rose for sweeping the 4A Midsouth Association of Independent Schools State Championships, and extend our best wishes for a continuation of the strength of this golf program which brings great pride to the community and to the State of Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Chuck Rose for both teams, forwarded to the Head of School Rob Shillito, the Kirk Academy Board of Trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.