Senate Concurrent Resolution 553

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE "PRIDE OF DESOTO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND" AND DIRECTOR DENNIS COX FOR WINNING THE 2021 MHSAA CLASS 6A MARCHING BAND CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, we join the students, faculty, parents and citizens of DeSoto County in recognizing the "Pride of DeSoto Central High School Marching Band" for winning the 2021 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A Marching Band Championship held on November 1, 2021, and for their history of band excellence; and

WHEREAS, the Pride of DeSoto Central High School Marching Band is comprised of over 130 students from Olive Branch, Southaven and Nesbit, Mississippi. They have been led by Dennis Cox, Director of Bands at DeSoto Central High School for the past 22 years. Assistant Directors are Devin Burgess, Tyler Hart and Jocelyn Hembruch; and

WHEREAS, students are given many opportunities to develop and use their musical talents, learn organizational skills, and develop lasting peer relationships spanning all grades. In addition, they quickly develop a strong understanding of individual responsibility, discipline and accountability to contribute to the overall success of the entire band. These life skills will serve them well in everything they attempt in the future. The entire band program serves about 500 students total, Grades 6-12; and

WHEREAS, in the 17 years of the band's existence, they have won 342 "Superior" ratings, 171 "Most Outstanding" ratings, 10 "Parade Grand Championships" and 94 "Grand Champion Awards". The "Pride" has been the Mississippi Marching Band State Champions five times, District II Marching Champions 10 times, and a BCS National Marching Champion. They have performed at the Walt Disney Magic Kingdom Parade in Orlando, Florida, the Hollywood Christmas Parade in Hollywood, California, the Preakness Celebration Parade in Baltimore, Maryland, the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., Mississippi Governor's Inaugural Parade in Jackson, Mississippi, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, Texas, the Chicago Memorial Day Parade in Chicago, Illinois, and they were the feature band in the 2012 and 2019 Indy 500 Parade and Opening Ceremonies for the race. The Pride of DeSoto Central Band also has participated in Bands of America Competitions in St. Louis, Missouri, Powder Springs, Georgia, Clarksville, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Alabama, and Indianapolis, Indiana, as well as the BCS National Championship in New Orleans, Louisiana. They have been a Mississippi Sweepstakes winner for the past 10 years; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we acknowledge the musical history of this outstanding group of students who have again 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 "Pride of DeSoto Central High School Marching Band" and Director Dennis Cox for winning the 2021 MHSAA Class 6A Marching Band Championship, and extend to the band members, directors, parents and sponsors our best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Director of Bands Dennis Cox and DeSoto Central Principal Cliff Johnston, forwarded to the DeSoto County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.