MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2023 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives McKnight, Crawford

House Resolution 149

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WEST HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL HURRICANES CHEERLEADING TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2022 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR PLACING SECOND AT THE UCA NATIONALS COMPETITION.

     WHEREAS, proving hard work and diligence are the keys to success, the West Harrison High School Hurricanes Cheerleading Team claimed the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Cheerleading Championship on December 10, 2022; and

     WHEREAS, under the insightful and accomplished leadership of Head Coach Heather Serpas, Assistant Coach Hannah Jones and Choreographer Jayk Stewart, the Hurricanes did an exceptional job of rehearsing their cheers and routines, unifying all of their strengths to make a good squad and ultimately executing an outstanding job working toward the accomplishment of this highly pursued goal; and

     WHEREAS, in February 2023, the Hurricanes also competed in the UCA Nationals competition, where they placed first in 2021 and 2022, and after a flawless and electric performance, they placed second; and

     WHEREAS, throughout this special season, the West Harrison High School Cheerleaders worked extremely hard to succeed, and the

members have improved exponentially in all aspects of their cheerleading abilities, and due to their outstanding God-given talent, strong desire to win and tremendous work ethic, they completed their competition season with their third state title, as they also won in 2019 and 2020; and

     WHEREAS, the members of the West Harrison High School Cheerleading Team, who constantly impress with their sincere displays of professionalism and self-discipline, include:  seniors, Jiavona Hayes, Destiny Jack, Tyana Johnson, Hailey Langenbacher, Jada McCalebb, Sarah Thomas, Samantha Wells, Maverick Johnson, Robert (Corey) McArn, Eric Necaise, Lane Trosclair, Bryan Wooten and Kaison McGill; juniors, Macey Davis, Mialani Garcia, Andrea Moreno, Daisy Parker, Jaclyn Powers, Tayedeus Jacobs, Matthew Jordan and Caleb Phelps; sophomores, Raegan Brooks, Marley Freeman, Ceana Lacey, Jenna Pierson, Myleigh Thompson and Abram Parker; and freshmen, Lauren Butler, Mady Gauthier, Abigail Pretti and Skylynn Yarbrough; and

     WHEREAS, the Hurricanes cheerleaders have practiced and worked together for many hours in the pursuit of greatness and have shown a high degree of sportsmanship while representing the State of Mississippi at all levels of competition; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding student-athletes such as the West Harrison High School Hurricanes Cheerleading Team, whose superb attitudes and unparalleled determination to reach their championship goal brought honor and glory to West Harrison High School 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 commend and congratulate the West Harrison High School Hurricanes Cheerleading Team for winning the 2022 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Cheerleading Championship and for placing second at the UCA Nationals competition, and extend best wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Heather Serpas, Head Coach; Hannah Jones, Assistant Coach; Jayk Stewart, Choreographer; Dr. Michael Weaver, Principal; Averie Bush, Athletic Director; Mitchell King, Superintendent; and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.