Senate Concurrent Resolution 630

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE RIPLEY HIGH SCHOOL "MARCHING TIGERS" BAND, DIRECTOR SAM CUNNINGHAM AND SENIOR DRUM MAJOR GRACE-ANNE ELLIOTT FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 4A STATE BAND CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Ripley High School "Marching Tigers" Band was crowned the best band in Class 4A at the 2015 MHSAA State Band Championship; and

WHEREAS, over the summer, Ripley High School Band Director Sam Cunningham was simply looking for a show that would be "fun" for the 2015 band members. The 2015 Ripley High School Band and their "Lion King" show claimed Gold at the MHSAA Class 4A State Band Championship at Pearl High School. It was their first State Title since winning in Class 3A in 2012. The 2015 Championship was a surprise, according to Band Director Sam Cunningham, one that came with a six-foot tall Trophy and Gold Medal to match. The Ripley High School Band competed in five marching competitions around the north Mississippi area prior to the statewide competition; and

WHEREAS, following the band's contest performance, Senior Drum Major Grace-Anne Elliott listened as Ripley received a Third Place finish in Color Guard and a First Place mark in Music, and when she realized they were about to be named State Champions, she was elated. Elliott was marching with her flute the last time Ripley won Gold in Jackson. She said this State Title meant much more because it was unexpected and it was her senior year; and

WHEREAS, the Ripley High School Band did one final performance for a great crowd of parents and fans at Tiger Stadium. Afterward, they received their medals. Along with Sam Cunningham, Tim Jackson and Nathan Waycaster serve as Directors. At the Awards Ceremony, Cunningham thanked the parents and volunteers who made this year's show a success; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student musicians and their directors who have 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 Ripley High School "Marching Tigers" Band, Director Sam Cunningham and Senior Drum Major Grace-Anne Elliott for winning the MHSAA Class 4A State Band Championship, and extend our best wishes to the students, parents, directors and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Ripley High School Band Director Sam Cunningham and Principal Buck Buchanan for the band, forwarded to the South Tippah County School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.