Senate Resolution 87

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE HATTIESBURG HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL TEAM FOR WINNING THEIR FIFTH MISSISSIPPI MOCK TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, Hattiesburg High School claimed a record fifth State Championship in the Mississippi Mock Trial Championships held in Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, competing as champions of the Southern Region, Hattiesburg High School Team 1 and Hattiesburg High School Team 2 closed out the final round of the state finals, taking first and second place respectively. The state contest has not had one school compete in the same championship round in over two decades; and

WHEREAS, Team 1, captained by Senior Susan McKay, defeated Jackson Area Home Schoolers, Long Beach, St. John's and North Delta Academy to advance to the final round which was held in The Mississippi Supreme Court Chamber.

WHEREAS, Team 2, led by Junior Ali McCoy, bested defending State Champions St. Andrews, Murrah, Warren Central and Mississippi School for Math and Science. The two undefeated Hattiesburg High School Teams met in the title match; and

WHEREAS, Team 1 will now represent Mississippi at the National Finals in New Orleans the first week in May 2003. Team 1 consists of Grace Juneau, Chelsea Lovitt, Susan McKay and Scott Varnado, attorneys; and Kennon Hulett, Katie Mapp, Rachel Evanson, and Molly Southern, witnesses; Team 2 members are Stephen Goggin, Ali McCoy and Stephanie Willis, attorneys; Ben Anderson, Annie Dixon, Grant McKay, Margaret Roberts and Britney Hickman, witnesses; and

WHEREAS, Michael Marks and R. Scott Waldrop served as teacher coaches. "Mississippi has only claimed the National Championship once in the history of the program", says Hattiesburg Attorney Carey Varnado, who serves as attorney coach for the team. "It's time that changed"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the unique accomplishment of this brilliant team of Mississippi students, whose practice and hard work 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 Hattiesburg High School Mock Trial Team and their sponsors for winning their fifth Mississippi Mock Trial Championship and extend to them the best wishes of the Senate as they represent Mississippi in the national competition held in New Orleans, Louisiana, and in their future academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That this resolution be presented to the Hattiesburg High School Mock Trial Team and their teacher coaches and be forwarded to Dr. James Davis, Superintendent of the Hattiesburg Public School District, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.