MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Yancey, Eubanks, Ford (73rd), Newman, Powell, Shanks, Wallace, Weathersby, Zuber
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING "WAIT FOR IT...", RANKIN COUNTY'S 4-H STUDENT ROBOTICS TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2023 MISSISSIPPI FIRST TECH CHALLENGE COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP AND ADVANCING TO THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, after winning the 2022 Mississippi FIRST Tech Challenge Competition Championship and representing the State of Mississippi at the World Championship, "Wait For It...", Rankin County's 4-H Student Robotics Team, has completed the dynamic feat once again, claiming victory at the 2023 Mississippi FIRST Tech Challenge Competition Championship held in Oxford, Mississippi, March 4-5, 2023; and
WHEREAS, in similar fashion to the 2022 title win, which advanced them to world competition, "Wait For It..." secured their place by defeating the state's top robotics teams to represent the State of Mississippi on the world stage, to compete at the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship, scheduled to be held in Houston, Texas, April 19 through 22, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the FIRST Tech Challenge, a program of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), provided a platform for students to learn the significance of STEM by designing, building and programming robots, which encourages teamwork, problem-solving and community involvement and engagement; and
WHEREAS, Team "Wait For It..." epitomizes these values and has demonstrated their prowess in the field of robotics, remaining true to the team's mission "to lead in connecting with, motivating and inspiring students and adults to be actively involved in STEM education and FIRST robotics and showcase FIRST students' abilities by building a well-designed, innovative and competitive robot"; and
WHEREAS, the presence of Team "Wait For It..." in the world competition will allow team members to compete against the best robotics teams from various countries on a grand stage, as their participation serves a beacon of inspiration for the countless young minds in their peer group to pursue STEM education and robotics; and
WHEREAS, the team's success is a reflection of their dedication, as well as the support and guidance of their coaches and mentors, and is best evidenced through the numerous awards they have received during the 2022-2023 season of competition, including: Mississippi Flowood Qualifier, Inspire Award; Mississippi Biloxi Qualifier, Connect Award - 2nd Place and Inspire Award - 2nd Place; Arkansas Championship, Design Award, Finalist Alliance, Inspire Award - 2nd Place and Think Award - 2nd Place; and Mississippi Championship, Dean's List Finalists, Design Award - 2nd Place, Finalist Alliance - Captain, Inspire Award and
Promote Award; and
WHEREAS, the intrepid and insightful members of "Wait For It..." are comprised of students from six Rankin County area schools in Grades 8 through 12, including: seniors, David and McKenna; juniors, Chloe and Sawyer; and 8th Graders, Elijah and Simon; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to celebrate and honor the impressive accomplishments of Mississippi's youth and the teachers who inspire, work hard and bring positive recognition to our state worldwide:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate "Wait For It...", Rankin County's 4-H student robotics team upon winning the 2023 Mississippi First Tech Challenge Competition Championship and advancing to the world championships.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the coach and members of Team "Wait For It..." and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.