House Resolution 2

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING CLEVELAND HIGH SCHOOL UPON THE CELEBRATION OF ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, with a long history of academic excellence, Level 5 rated Cleveland High School, accredited since 1921, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the institution's establishment on October 15, 2006; and

WHEREAS, having produced many National Merit semi-finalists and finalists, the school also has a long tradition of athletic excellence, producing state champion baseball, track, swimming, cheerleading and softball programs, and championship-level football, basketball and tennis programs; and

WHEREAS, Cleveland High is the alma mater of legendary women's basketball coach Margaret Wade, who went 453-89 as coach of Cleveland High's girls basketball team; coached three national championship teams while at Delta State University; was among the first class of women inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame; and recipient of the Wade Trophy, presented annually to the nation's top women's collegiate player; and

WHEREAS, the grand institution nurtured two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, Wirt Williams and author Thomas Harris, who penned Silence of the Lambs; forged leaders of government, Legislators Charlie Capps and David Norquist and Congressman David Bowen; prepared noteworthy attorneys, Bill Laforge, who served as President of the American Bar Association, and Kay Cobb, who is the presiding justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court; and molded prominent educators such as Kent Wyatt, who served as Delta State University's fifth president; and

WHEREAS, Cleveland High School is considered the "birthplace" of Delta State University, as the organizational movement which led to Delta State University's establishment was held there; and

WHEREAS, Cleveland High, with its tradition of superior band, choral music, theater arts and visual art programs, has fostered civic responsibility through organizations such as: Y-Teens, Interact Club, Key Club and the National Honor Society; and

WHEREAS, graduates of Cleveland High have become standouts in the fields of agriculture, education, journalism, law, literature, national defense, music, politics, professional athletics, religion and science, and some graduates have served at all levels in the various branches of the United States Armed Forces, from World War I to the current War on Terror; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the rich history of such an important educational institution as Cleveland High School that has provided outstanding educational experiences and shaped the lives of thousands of Cleveland youth:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Cleveland High School upon the celebration of 100 years of educational excellence and extend our heartiest wishes for continued success in all academic, athletic and career achievements.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Cleveland High School, the School Board of the Cleveland School District and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.