House Concurrent Resolution 26

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE GENTRY HIGH SCHOOL GENTRYTES FOR THEIR REMARKABLE TALENTS.

WHEREAS, one of the most well-known and celebrated choral high school groups in the State of Mississippi, the Gentry High School Gentrytes, under the helm of Mr. Harvey Jackson, Jr., have been providing fans around the state with their sensational talent for five years; and

WHEREAS, each time the Gentrytes walk onto a stage together, Indianola, Mississippi, and the entire citizenry of the state is blessed by the beautiful harmonies they produce; and

WHEREAS, with their warm tones and touching tributes, the Gentrytes soothed the grievers at the funeral of Indianola's very own Riley "B.B." King in 2015, and have also performed at the B.B. King Homecoming festival; and

WHEREAS, the Gentrytes are not just one of the premier choral groups of the Indianola community, but their sound is recognized and honored across the district and state, as they have received numerous superior ratings in both sight-reading and performance on the district and state level; and

WHEREAS, nationally, their talent is synonymous with greatness, as they have traveled across the United States to compete in various choral invitational festivals in Florida, Texas, Georgia, New York and California, and at each one of these national festivals, all three of the performing ensembles, Concert Choir, Chamber Chorale and Ladies Ensemble, won first place gold in their respective categories as well as Outstanding Choral Group, Sweepstakes Choral Program and the Adjudicator Award; and

WHEREAS, in December 2019, the Gentrytes recorded and released their first Christmas album entitled "A Gentrytes Christmas" and will be participating in choir competitions in Chicago, Illinois, in April 2020; and

WHEREAS, the Gentrytes, who continuously reward audiences with their sweet, melodious voices during each show, are extremely committed to the arts in education, as 98% of their members graduate with choral scholarships to various universities across the state; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend and congratulate the outstanding Gentry High School Gentrytes for their remarkable success and recognize the honor that their beautiful music has brought to the Magnolia State:

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 Gentry High School Gentrytes for their remarkable talents and extend most sincere wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the Gentry High School Gentrytes and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.