Senate Concurrent Resolution 550

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BYRAM MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEERLEADER SQUAD FOR WINNING THE 2004 NATIONAL CHEERLEADERS ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on December 29, 2004, the Byram Middle School Cheerleaders met their ultimate goal by winning the 2004 National Cheerleaders Association National Championship in the Intermediate Junior High/Middle School Division held in Dallas, Texas; and

WHEREAS, this championship was a dream of all 19 girls from the time they received their bid to Nationals in June at camp, until they finished their final routine on the 29th of December; and

WHEREAS, the Byram Middle School Cheerleaders consist of: 7th Graders-Lauren Alford, Allison Higbee, Tara Hilton, Kristen Melton, Rebecca Ross (Co-Captain) and Morgan Stringer; Mascot-Drew Blakely; and Manager-Hannah King; Eighth Graders-Jennifer Byrd, Carcia Carson, Nikki Dramis, Sallianne Dudley, Noel Johnson, Olivia King, Bethany Lasseter, Allison Morris, Mackenzie Pettit, Mae Slay, Blaire Whitehead (Captain), Shelby Wilkinson, and Nichelle Willis; and

WHEREAS, twelve of the 8th grade cheerleaders have been cheering together for the past two years. All 19 cheerleaders, mascot, and manager maintain a 3.0 grade point average in all academic subjects. All participants of Byram Middle School Cheerleaders are on the Honor Roll and many are on the Principal's List. They have persevered through injuries such as a broken nose, a broken tailbone, a broken wrist, torn ligaments, strained muscles, and pulled muscles. The team members overcame adversity with the tenacity, determination, work ethic, team spirit and cooperative attitude that are the hallmark of champions; and

WHEREAS, the current squad listed above has received the following awards in 2004: 2004 Champion Chant winners at NCA Camp; 2004 Top Team Finalist; 2004-eight All-American Nominees (Jennifer Byrd, Carcia Carson, Sallianne Dudley, Olivia King, Bethany Lasseter, Rebecca Ross, Blaire Whitehead, and Nichelle Willis) and two All-Americans (Jennifer Byrd and Bethany Lasseter); 2004 Deep South Regional Second Place Large Junior High Division; 2004 Mississippi High School Activities Association Second Place Large Junior High Division; 2004 NCA Innovative Choreography Award (presented to our choreographer Carlos Stokes of Central Mississippi Cheer and Deep South Cheer in Ridgeland); and the most prestigious award of all, 2004 NCA National Champions Intermediate Junior High Division held in Dallas, Texas, December 27-29, 2004; and

WHEREAS, the Byram Middle School Cheerleaders have been coached by Susan Heiden for the past 2 1/2 years. She is a highly qualified 8th grade Science Teacher at Byram Middle School and has taught in the Hinds County School District for eight years; and

WHEREAS, the Byram Middle School Cheerleaders participate in community service activities by spending time with nursing home activities through the Beta Club, hosting cheerleading clinics for the community, and working with the residents of CARES, a part of the Mississippi Children's Home Association, hosting a cheerleader clinic; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the accomplishments of this group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, to the parents and citizens of Byram and Terry, and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Byram Middle School Cheerleader Squad and Coach Susan Heiden for winning the 2004 National Cheerleaders Association Championship and extend to them the best wishes of the Legislature for success in their future athletic and scholastic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Byram Middle School Cheerleader Squad and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.