House Concurrent Resolution 122

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BAY HIGH STEPPERS DANCE TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 2003-2004 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI STATE HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE DIVISION 2 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Bay High Steppers Dance Team was the Overall First Place in the Mississippi State High School Dance Team Competition on February 7, 2004, and the National Championship for Division 2; and

WHEREAS, competing in five categories, including high kicks, pom, ensemble, officers and prop/novelty, the Bay High Steppers placed first in all five entries; and

WHEREAS, for their state win, the Bay High Steppers traveled to Orlando, Florida, on February 12, 2004, to compete in the National Competition, where they earned the title of Division 2 National Champions in pom and prop/novelty, in addition to placing third overall in pom and receiving a superior rating for high kick; and

WHEREAS, the 2003-2004 Bay High Steppers includes Marissa Turcotte, Ericka Stieber, Leslee Bullock, Elysha Thompson, LeAnn Graves, Katie Morris, Arrian White, Tabitha Jones, Kristina Quintini, Courtenay Ginn, Bridget Johnson, Heather Richardson, Anna Stuart, Mary Monks, Paulette Valle, Melisa Akers, Ashley Green, Tasia Poyadou, Meghan Schmitt and Kheo Ly; and

WHEREAS, the Bay High Steppers have been superbly coached and inspired by Sponsor and Choreographer Natalie Skinner and Manager Courtney Bissonnette, who have broadened the steppers' knowledge of the cheerleading and dance choreography competition and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Bay High Steppers spend many hours per week practicing their elite stunts, dance routines and cheers in addition to performing at sporting events; and

WHEREAS, the Bay High Steppers have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual steppers and their coach and bring honor to Bay High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the young people of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do commend and congratulate the Bay High Steppers Dance Team, Sponsor Natalie Skinner and Manager Courtney Bissonnette, for winning Overall First Place in the Coed Division at the Mississippi High School Activities Association's State Cheerleading Championship, the Division 2 National Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Bay High School, Sponsor Natalie Skinner, Manager Courtney Bissonnette and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.