MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Parker, Massey, Butler (38th), Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Simmons (12th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SOUTHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL "LADY CHARGERS" VOLLEYBALL TEAM AND COACH ALLISON BURCHYETT FOR WINNING THEIR 5TH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, the Southaven High School "Lady Chargers" claimed its 5th MHSAA Class III State Championship overall and third for Coach Allison Burchyett, as Southaven finished the year with a 35-6 record. The Lady Chargers earned a trip to the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class III State Championship match with a 25-21, 26-24, 25-23 North Half victory over visiting DeSoto Central. Southaven advanced to play Hancock November 2, 2013, at Mississippi College in Clinton; and
WHEREAS, Southaven Coach Allison Burchyett talked to her team after the Lady Chargers lost the second set to Hancock, evening the match at a game each. The third and fourth games were close until Southaven pulled away at the end for the school's 5th Championship, 25-12, 16-25, 25-21 and 25-17. Both games were tied 17-17 before Southaven took control; and
WHEREAS, Southaven was led by Jordan Veal with 38 assists and Taylor Edwards with 16 kills. The Lady Chargers finished 35-6, with the only two in-state losses coming against the other two Champions, OLA High School and Lake Cormorant High School. Kayana Mitchell added 13 kills and Edwards also contributed 13 service points and Raymie Neal provided 11. "These are exciting times at Southaven High School," said Burchyett. "We knew with 6 seniors we had a good opportunity to win the title and I am so proud of the girls that we got down to business and got the win"; and
WHEREAS, the success of any athletic team is built behind the scenes. Teams that build a tradition put in the work and make the needed commitments long before the first competition is held. The Southaven High School Volleyball Team has done that, according to Chargers' Coach Allison Burchyett, which is why banners proclaiming their success hang from the rafters in the school gymnasium with 5 State Championships. The formula is working well in the land of Orange and Blue. DeSoto County schools have been the benchmark for volleyball in Mississippi high schools, since Horn Lake won the first State Championship in 1995. Fifteen State Championships have been won by DeSoto County Volleyball Squads. While top-level volleyball is played all over the county, Southaven is the "Gold Standard," and Coach Burchyett said, "We have many alumni at games and they feel as much a part of this as anybody else. We encourage the family atmosphere here at Southaven"; and
WHEREAS, the 2013 Southaven High School "Lady Chargers" Roster is as follows: Kim Crider; Raymie Neal; Katelyn Rich; Madison Drummond; Taylor Edwards; Jessica Talbert; Chasity Johnson; Jordan Veal; Katie Atchison; Erin Webb; Danielle Chaffin; Kayana Mitchell; Sherelle Brown; Rachel Talbert; Treveka Terry; Caroline Barham; Taylor Cate; Brady Craig; Maggie Evans; Morgan Gresham; Kendall McMahon; Mindy Parnell; Kara Wilson; Ashley Bartley; Rebecca Chandler; Celia Drummond; and Kayla Cole; Coach Allison Burchyett; and Managers Claire Allen, Peyton Roepke and Jamie Wilson; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this Championship Team whose legacy has brought honor to their school, their community 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 Southaven High School "Lady Chargers" Volleyball Team and Coach Allison Burchyett for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class III State Championship, their 5th State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Burchyett and Principal Shane Jones, forwarded to the DeSoto County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.