MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Tollison, Barnett, Caughman, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Norwood, Parker, Simmons (12th), Jolly
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF FOR AN HISTORIC SWEEP OF THE 2016-2017 ANNUAL MASON-DIXON NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS IN VOLLEYBALL, GIRLS BASKETBALL AND BOYS BASKETBALL.
WHEREAS, for the first time in 29 years, the Mississippi School for the Deaf has swept the Annual Mason-Dixon National Tournaments in Volleyball, Girls Basketball and Boys Basketball, which is an outstanding athletic accomplishment; and
WHEREAS, in October 2016, the Mississippi School for the Deaf Varsity Volleyball Team, under the supervision of Head Coach Cheryl Kaler and Assistant Coach Taylor Herrin, won First Place in the 29th Annual Mason-Dixon Volleyball Tournament held at Alabama School for the Deaf in Talladega, Alabama. This accomplishment involved defeating 10 other state schools for the deaf in pool and tournament play. This was the first time in school history that Mississippi has won First Place in the Mason-Dixon Volleyball Tournament; and
WHEREAS, in January 2017, the Mississippi School for the Deaf Varsity Girls Basketball Team, under the supervision of Head Coach Victorica Monroe and Assistant Coach Laura Rushing, won First Place in the 40th Annual Mason-Dixon Girls Basketball Tournament held at Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf in Wilson, North Carolina. This accomplishment involved defeating 10 other state schools for the deaf in tournament play. This was the sixth time in school history that Mississippi has won First Place in the Mason-Dixon Girls Basketball Tournament. In Mississippi High School Activities Association District 7-1A, the 2016-2017 Mississippi School for the Deaf varsity girls completed the season with a 16-4 record ranked Number 5 among 1A schools in the state. In post-season play, the Lady Bulldogs placed Second in Division 7-1A Tournament and hosted the first round of the State Championship Playoffs versus Ethel High School. Senior Kylisha Cathey was selected "Player of the Month" for the National Deaf Interscholastic Athletic Association in February 2017. Kylisha was also named "Most Valuable Player" for the 2017 Mason-Dixon Girls Basketball Tournament. In December 2016, Kylisha earned her 1,500th career point. Senior Shakeedra Hubbard was selected for the All-Tournament Team for the 2017 Mason-Dixon Girls Basketball Tournament; and
WHEREAS, in January 2017, the Mississippi School for the Deaf Varsity Boys Basketball Team, under the supervision of Head Coach Chris Nipper and Assistant Coaches Sekoe White and Marcus Erving, won First Place in the 65th Annual Mason-Dixon Boys Basketball Tournament held at Louisiana School for the Deaf in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This accomplishment involved defeating 10 other state schools for the deaf in tournament play. This was the sixth time in school history that Mississippi has won First Place in the Mason-Dixon Boys Basketball Tournament. Mark Allen Campbell was named "Most Valuable Player" for the 2017 Mason-Dixon Boys Basketball Tournament, and Kenmarkis Meeks and Keyshawn Moore were named to the All-Tournament Team; and
WHEREAS, the Mississippi School for the Deaf Athletic Director is Holly M. Reichle, the Principal is Dr. Bradley Porche, and the Superintendent is Dr. Sandra G. Edwards, and the 2016-2017 Championship Rosters are:
2016 Mason-Dixon Championship Volleyball Team
Shakeedra Hubbard, Hinds County;
Kylisha Cathey, Tate County;
Faith Latham, Hinds County;
Lyniss Barnes, Lafayette County;
Emily Sanders, Lamar County;
Tamera Grant, Lauderdale County;
Keiarah Barnes, Simpson County;
Guan Ya Smith, Rankin County;
Nilah Orey, Hinds County;
Wyomi Martin, Rankin County;
Alexis Roberts, Newton County;
Raegan Hendrix, Oktibbeha County.
2017 Mason-Dixon Championship Girls Basketball Team
Shakeedra Hubbard, Hinds County;
Kylisha Cathey, Tate County;
Faith Latham, Hinds County;
Tamera Grant, Lauderdale County;
Keiarah Barnes, Simpson County;
Guan Ya Smith, Rankin County;
Nilah Orey, Hinds County;
Alexis Roberts, Newton County;
Raegan Hendrix, Oktibbeha County;
Koreiona Guy, Marion County.
2017 Mason-Dixon Championship Boys Basketball Team
Cortavious Harris, Union County;
Keyshawn Moore, Hinds County;
Kendrick Thomas, Coahoma County;
Kenmarkis Meeks, Madison County;
Mark Allyn Campbell, Lauderdale County;
Fredrick Nelson, Forrest County;
Alex Jones, Montgomery County;
Da'Mon Porter, Copiah County;
James Wilson, Hinds County;
Jaylon Mays, Leflore County;
Devoris Meeks, Leflore County;
Nathan Howard, Hinds County; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes 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 Mississippi School for the Deaf for an historic sweep of the 2016-2017 Annual Mason-Dixon National Tournaments in Volleyball, Girls Basketball and Boys Basketball, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature to the team, coaches, administration, parents, and sponsors for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mississippi School for the Deaf Athletic Director Holly M. Reichle, Principal Dr. Bradley Porche, and Superintendent Dr. Sandra G. Edwards, forwarded to the State Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.