Senate Resolution 63

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WARREN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS SWIM TEAMS AND HEAD COACH TERRY WONG UPON WINNING THE 2025 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS II STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

WHEREAS, the Warren Central High School Vikings Boys and Girls Swim Teams made school history, as these were the first state championships won by these remarkable teams, by capturing the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class II State Championships; and

WHEREAS, this historic feat for these talented teams solidified Warren Central's standing as one of the top swimming programs in the state. Prior to the state championship wins, the boys' team won three consecutive district championships under Coach Wong's leadership; and

WHEREAS, during the state championship meet, which was held on October 18, 2025, in Tupelo, Mississippi, the girls' team came away as co-champions with West Jones High School while the boys' team finished 20 points over runner-up, Pearl River Central High School; and

WHEREAS, the girls' team of Kara Rowe, Addison Billings, Avery Greer and Ella Opperman won the 400 freestyle in a time of 4:08.10 - 11 seconds ahead of West Jones - to force the tie at the top of the team standings, and the girls' team of Sicily Smith, Rowe, Greer and Billings won the 200 medley relay in a time of 2:04.69; and

WHEREAS, the boys' team won two relays, first taking the 200 medley relay in a time of 1:49.20 behind the quartet of James McKenna, Thomas Kilroy, Ace Orosco and Jacob Byrd, and the boys won the 400 free relay in a time of 3:34.07 with this same foursome but with a different order of McKenna, Kilroy, Byrd and Orosco; and

WHEREAS, although the boys' and girls' teams were dynamic in their performances, winning four relay events and 19 top-four finishes, additional honor was bestowed upon Avery Greer and Jacob Byrd, who won individual titles in the girls' 200 yard and boys' 500 yard freestyle; and

WHEREAS, the Vikings swim teams have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Terry Wong, who has broadened and refined the team members' skills in execution, which has culminated into dual championships for the Vikings and speaks volumes of his outstanding leadership; and

WHEREAS, the Vikings have been supported in their athletic endeavors and can attribute much of their success to the administration, staff, parents, fans and overall supporters whose moral and spiritual encouragement remained steadfast throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, the Vikings have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual team members, Coach Wong and Warren Central High School; 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 commend and congratulate the Warren Central High School Boys and Girls Swim Teams and Head Coach Terry Wong upon winning the 2025 MHSAA Class II State Championships and extend best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Warren Central High School Swim Coach Terry Wong and Warren Central High School Principal Dr. Tonya Magee and transmitted to the Warren Central School Board and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.