MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2018 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Baker, Calhoun, Gipson, Powell, Rogers (61st), Weathersby, Sykes

House Concurrent Resolution 18

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BRANDON HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM AND COACH KELSA D. WALKER ON WINNING THE 2017 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS III VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, AND FOR AN OVERALL OUTSTANDING SEASON.

     WHEREAS, the Brandon High School Volleyball Team won the 2017 MHSAA Class III Volleyball Championship, truly becoming a force to be reckoned with throughout Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, with 380 serving aces, 1,351 kills, 1,154 serve receptions, 367 total blocks, 1,125 assists and 1,620 digs, the team's statistics are most impressive, and each season produces outstanding plays by individual players, but the key to the team's success each year has been the amazing team spirit and year-round hard work; and 

     WHEREAS, the team's overall record for the 2017 season was 39-2, with the conference record being 6-0, and playoff record being 4-0 to win the 2017 MHSAA Class III Volleyball Championship; and

     WHEREAS, during the playoffs, the team went 12-0 in sets to sweep the following teams to win the 2017 MHSAA Class III Volleyball Championship: Pascagoula, 3-0; Oak Grove, 3-0; Tupelo, 3-0; and DeSoto, 3-0; and

     WHEREAS, the 2017-2018 Brandon High School Volleyball Team roster is composed of the following talented athletes:  Morgan Bailey, Kennedy Jordan, Natalie Taylor, Raejean Hawkins, Maddie O'Bryan, Laine Marler, Courtney Bates, Deja Errington, Callie Minshew, Alexxa Haggerty, Lashundria Chatman, Mary Beth Tharp, Michaela Comans, Kate Bass, Josie Hutton, Rachel Nolan, Gabbie Padilla, Alexus Andrews, Olivia Garrett and Courtney Thomas; Head Coach, Kelsa D. Walker; Assistant Coach, Malorie Aldridge; Student Assistant, Phoebe Garrett; and Manager, Ana-Grace Landfair; and

     WHEREAS, several team members were recognized for their accomplishments this season, including the naming of Laine Marler, Alexxa Haggerty, Maddie O'Bryan, Callie Minshew, Kate Bass, Lashundria Chatman and Kennedy Jordan as All Region Players; the selection of both Callie Minshew and Alexxa Haggerty as All State Tournament Players; and the naming of Alexxa Haggerty, Laine Marler, Kennedy Jordan, Callie Minshew and Kate Bass as All Star Players; and

     WHEREAS, in addition to their impressive statistics on the volleyball court, the team has tremendous dedication in the classroom, having a GPA of 3.679 for the last season, and being a Scholar Athlete Team for the past three seasons that Kelsa D. Walker has been head coach; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy this Legislature to recognize and commend student-athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

     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 Brandon High School Volleyball Team and Coach Kelsa D. Walker for winning the 2017 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class III Volleyball Championship and for an overall outstanding season, and further extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Kelsa D. Walker and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.