House Concurrent Resolution 87

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JOHN F. KENNEDY LADY HORNETS BASKETBALL TEAM AND THEIR COACHES UPON WINNING THE 2013-2014 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the John F. Kennedy Lady Hornets reign supreme after finishing the 2013-2014 season with a flawless record of 32 wins and 0 losses, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, this was truly a dream season, as the Lady Hornets' determination also led to a Region 3-1A Championship and a North Half Championship; and

WHEREAS, not only was this season phenomenal, it was also historic, because this 2013-2014 Lady Hornets team is the first team in the history of Bolivar County to have an undefeated season, with numerous championships, including the State Championship; and

WHEREAS, many on the team agree that the backbone of the Lady Hornets is comprised of senior players Ieysha Mays and Frederica Haywood, who have collectively carried the team all year, "...when one is down the other one is there to pick us up," as described by their fearless leader, Coach Linda Allen; and

WHEREAS, Coach Allen is a dynamic leader whose vision for winning the "gold ball" motivated her to form a winning team of assistant coaches; and

WHEREAS, assistant coaches, Arthur Floyd and Gilbert Thompson, were pivotal in the development of the Lady Hornets' execution and strategies this season; and their passion for the team and the city merged with Coach Allen's leadership and skill created an unstoppable dynamic; and

WHEREAS, the 2013-2014 Lady Hornets' championship team is composed of the following members: Seniors, Frederica Haywood, Ieysha Mays, Latina Jones, Jarvis Malone and Victoria Brown; Juniors, Shina Hunt and Jerterika Holmes; Sophomores, Natassjha Anderson, Aleghsa Haywood, Jakerria Malone, Kayela Franklin, Kenisha Coleman and Danielle Thompson; and Eight Graders, Tanielle Woods and Amiya Clifton; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will carry the memories and lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season throughout their lives, which will enhance the opportunities to be outstanding citizens; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, such as that displayed by the Lady Hornets Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes and their coaches, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to their state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the John F. Kennedy Lady Hornets Basketball Team upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A State Championship, for having a historic winning season; and we extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to John F. Kennedy High School, Head Coach Linda Allen, Assistant Coaches Arthur Floyd and Gilbert Thompson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.