Senate Concurrent Resolution 660

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND SALUTING THE TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL "SYNERGY" SHOW CHOIR AND DIRECTOR DANIELLE FRERER FOR THEIR GRAND CHAMPION VICTORY AND OUTSTANDING 2014-2015 COMPETITION SEASON.

WHEREAS, Tupelo High School's "Synergy" Show Choir has returned home with the Grand Champion Award after the March 21-22, 2015, FAME Show Choir National Championship Series in Orlando, Florida; and

WHEREAS, Director Danielle Frerer says that the hard work and spirit of her 32 girls has paid off. "We spend a lot of time together working on this," she said. "In our division there were three, we competed against groups from California and Illinois, so we are truly honored"; and

WHEREAS, the win qualifies the group to attend the Nationals in Chicago in April, but a quick turnaround for a trip like that will depend on a lot of help. "We always have to raise a lot of money," Frerer said. "Last year we won in Branson and qualified to go to Chicago. The community is always very supportive of us, and we are thankful for that, and to have qualified a second year as a group"; and

WHEREAS, the stage is set and groups are making final preparations, packing their costumes, and boarding planes, trains and automobiles as they embark on a journey to FAME's Show Choir National Finals in Chicago. Eighteen show choirs from coast to coast (and even Canada!) will all be vying for the prestigious Show Choir Cup, including the Tupelo group. The event promises to be an exciting one from all angles. In addition to the National Finalists, the 2014 ASPIRE AWARDS will be handed out live on stage. The live webcast will also feature live interviews from the red carpet, backstage, and in the VIP lounge, and three-year veteran Bryden Brett will once again serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event and entertain audiences between performances. The Show Choir National Finals take place at the Arie Crown Theatre in Chicago, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, teamwork seems to be a tone set forth from the theme of the show, which Frerer describes as women empowered. It's called "I Am," and it's a commentary on what the media displays as strong women, and shows what a real, strong, confident woman is. So it's a progression of that. Frerer says that picking the theme is one of the hardest parts. Synergy's home performances of "I Am" start are at the Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center; and

WHEREAS, "It's really awesome to be able to say I'm a Grand Champion my senior year," Molly Homan said. "It's a lot of hard work and dedication. We spend a lot of time together working on afternoons and weekends, so it's really rewarding. We've set a goal to work together as a team, and we've achieved that"; and

WHEREAS, FAME is one of the largest Show Choir Competitions in the United States. "We are proud of all the hard work and dedication of our students and staff in Synergy," said Dr. Gearl Loden, Superintendent of the Tupelo Public School District. "We have a tradition of excellence in our Show Choir, and its amazing to see that we are again recognized on the National Stage"; and

WHEREAS, the 2014-2015 talented Singers/Dancers, Structure and Crew of Synergy are: Singers/Dancers: Hallie Andrews, Emma Bethay, Michaela Bryan, Avery Burks, Haley Cook, Kaylin Costello, Susannah Eidt, Taylor Fikes, Mary Graham, Katie Harness, Chandler Head, Katherine Holliman, Molly Homan, Shania Jones, Morgan King, Avery Claire Littleton, Anna Miller, Jillian Mitchell, Malorie Payne, Avery Ray, Reagan Ray, Brandi Reynolds, Larkin Robbins, Jaden Ruff, Madi Tasma, Steviana Thomas, Caroline Thompson, Karmen Tubbs, Tyla Tubbs, Sierra Wilbanks, Chandler Beth Winter and Hannah Wright; Structure: Reed Goodson, Sax; Noah Hunt, Bass; Aaron Jenkins, Drums/Percussion; Levi Ray, Guitar; Jaden Smith, Drums/Percussion; Daniel Torres, Trumpet; and Joseph West, Guitar; and Crew: Brianna Newby and Georgia McGee; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and commend the accomplishments of the students of this nationally known Show Choir which has brought honor to Tupelo High School, the City of Tupelo and 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 recognize and salute the Tupelo High School Synergy Show Choir and Director Danielle Frerer for their FAME Grand Champion victory and for their outstanding 2014-2015 competition season, and extend our best wishes to the students, directors, parents and sponsors of this award-winning choir in their future competitions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Tupelo High School Synergy Show Choir, Director Danielle Frerer and Principal Jason Harris, forwarded to the Tupelo Municipal School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.