House Resolution 89

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BAY HIGH SCHOOL STEPPERS FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Bay High School Steppers competed in the Class 4A Division at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) State Dance Competition in 2011, and were selected by judges as the 2011 State Dance Champions; and

WHEREAS, this year the Bay High School Steppers solidified their rise to championship status by continuing their reign of superiority established the past two years after winning the 2009 MHSAA Class 4A State Kick Championship and the 2010 Grand State Championship; and

WHEREAS, remaining true to form and the niche for a tradition of greatness common among those who bear the title "champion," the Bay Steppers' assent to the pinnacle of greatness entailed first place finishes in the Kick and Jazz Championship Divisions, and a second place finish by senior lead captain, Chae Levy, in the solo division, which represents the commitment and dedication required to have amassed previous years' honors, to which they lay claim, including: Best in Class Dance Line and Superior Dance Line at the 2010 MHSAA Band Competition and Gold Medal Classic; 2010 MHSAA Class 4A State Kick Champions; and 2010 MHSAA Class 4A State Jazz Champions; 2011 MHSAA Class 4A State Kick Champions; and 2010 MHSAA Class 4A State Jazz Champions; and

WHEREAS, as a result of their exceptional skills and well composed choreography, which catapulted the Bay High Steppers to championship status, the team traveled to Disney World in February to compete in the Universal Dance Association's National Dance Team Championship in an effort to extend their legacy of rhythmic and synchronized show-stopping performances, as evidenced by the honors acquired during the 2011-2012 school year, including: first place Home Routine, a superior rating on Routine Evaluations and the Team Leadership Award at the Universal Dance Association Summer Camp; Superior Dance Line and Best in Class Dance Line at the 2011 Gold Medal Classic Marching Competition; and Superior Dance Line at the 2011 MHSAA State Marching Band Competition; and

WHEREAS, the Bay High School Steppers is comprised of: Captains Jenny Ginn, Chae Levy, Taylor Necaise, Taylor Thames, Ashley Corr, Ivis Villalta; senior, Taylor Turcotte; juniors, Jenna Bordages, Lindsey Loftin, Hailey Tierney, Margaret Wycoff; sophomores, Madeleine Aubert, Chelsea Frederick, Rosie Garland, Alexis Hoffmann, Sarah Kothmann, Chelsea Passantino, Alexandra Walker; and freshman, Lauren Toomey; and

WHEREAS, the Bay High School Steppers have been superbly coached by Priscilla Austin and Delaina Pruett, and managed by student manager, Cassie Doucette, who have refined their skills in execution, acrobatics and dance; and

WHEREAS, these young people have practiced and worked together for many hours in the pursuit of excellence and have shown a high degree of sportsmanship while representing the State of Mississippi on the national level; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the young people of our state, such as the Bay High School Steppers, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Bay High School Steppers upon winning the 2011 Class 4A State Championship at the Mississippi High School Activities Association State Dance Competition and extend sincere wishes for continued success in all of their academic and athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Bay High School Steppers Coaches Priscilla Austin and Delaina Pruett and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.