House Resolution 109

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE 2022-2023 NEWTON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL "COUGARS" VARSITY CHEERLEADING TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS SEASON.

WHEREAS, the 2022-2023 Newton County High School "Cougars" Varsity Cheerleading Team reigned victorious as back-to-back Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) State Champions in the 4A Game Day division, and were also UCA National High School Cheerleading Champions in the Medium Varsity DII Non-Tumbling Game Day division, truly outstanding accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, the Cougars took the silver medal at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship, missing the first place spot by only a tenth of a point, but as the squad moved into the new season, the team was ready to work hard to maintain their state title, as well as reach new heights at the national level; and

WHEREAS, striving for excellence, the team attended the Masters Summer Camp, Stunt Clinics, early morning summer workouts, and late night team practices that lasted over two hours throughout the week, and while a tenth of a point does not seem like much, that tenth of a point proved to be the fuel and motivation for the program to reach new heights; and

WHEREAS, perseverance, hard work and unparalleled dedication, along with their strong culture based on family, is what truly made the difference in this year's success, as the program was able to clinch back-to-back MHSAA Division 4A Game Day State Championship titles, as well as heading to nationals, and claiming the top spot by over two points, bringing home the gold medal and the coveted national champion white jackets; and

WHEREAS, the Cougars, who cheered with nothing but heart and

soul all season, have a very talented roster, including: Adison Hollingsworth, Allie Claire Amis, Anna Lynne Pierce, Kaylee McDowell, Kinly Vick, Skylar Patricola, Eva Swann, Gracie Measell, Aleah McMullan, Maylee Lockley, Aaliyah Dawkins-Allen, Macy Claire Mann, Aubrey Kate Hayes, Natalie Allen, Emily Terrell, Macy Brooke Hayes, Bella Grace Jones, Lily Miles, Gracey Wood, Jordi Wilhelm, Kensley Allen, Anna Claire Skinner and Brianna Embrey; and

WHEREAS, the squad has been superbly coached and tremendously inspired by Head Coach Bobbie Simon, who remains personally vested in the academic and athletic success of each squad member, and has broadened their knowledge of the sport while refining their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to

recognize and commend outstanding Mississippi student-athletes,

especially those such as the Newton County High School "Cougars" Varsity Cheerleading Team, whose hard work and perseverance brings 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, That we do hereby

recognize and commend the 2022-2023 Newton County High School "Cougars" Varsity Cheerleading Team, and Head Coach Bobbie Simon, for their outstanding accomplishments this season, and extend to them best wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be

furnished to Head Coach Bobbie Simon, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.