House Resolution 94

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE "WAIT FOR IT…" ROBOTICS TEAM FROM PEARL, MISSISSIPPI, FOR WINNING THE INSPIRE AWARD AT THE MISSISSIPPI FIRST® TECH CHALLENGE CHAMPIONSHIP HELD IN OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI, AND PAVING THEIR WAY TO THE WORLD COMPETITION IN APRIL.

WHEREAS, "Wait for It…", a high school 4-H robotics team based in Pearl, Mississippi, secured the top honor at the Mississippi FIRST® Tech Challenge Championship held in Oxford, Mississippi, paving their way to the world competition in April; and

WHEREAS, the seven-member team, made up of homeschoolers and private-schoolers from the tri-county area, triumphed by winning the prestigious Inspire Award at the Mississippi Championship on March 9, 2024, and now, "Wait for It…" is eagerly gearing up to showcase their skills on the global stage; and

WHEREAS, the FIRST® Tech Challenge, a program of FIRST®, provides a platform for students to learn the significance of STEM by designing, building and programming robots, and it also encourages teamwork, problem-solving and community involvement and engagement; and

WHEREAS, the team from Pearl, Mississippi, epitomizes the values of the FIRST® Tech Challenge and has demonstrated their prowess in the field of robotics, and their success is a reflection of their dedication, as well as the support and guidance of their coaches and mentors; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi FIRST® Tech Challenge Championship held in Oxford, Mississippi, saw participation from top robotics teams from the state, and the victory of "Wait for It…" is a testament to their hard work and unwavering commitment; and

WHEREAS, the team will now spend the next month preparing to face the top robotics teams from around the globe at the FIRST® Tech Challenge's World Championship in Houston, Texas, which is scheduled for April 17-20, 2024, and the championship follows the record-breaking event hosted by the city in 2023, where more than 50,000 people from more than 50 countries attended including 192 competing teams; and

WHEREAS, the "Wait for It…" team is excited to represent Mississippi at such a grand stage, and their rigorous preparation includes fine-tuning their robot, practicing their driving skills, refining their presentation skills, fundraising and seeking guidance from local engineering experts; and

WHEREAS, the "Wait for It…" team from Pearl, Mississippi, has not only made their state proud but also inspired countless young minds to pursue STEM education and robotics; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to celebrate and honor the impressive accomplishments of Mississippi's youth 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 the "Wait for It…" team from Pearl, Mississippi, for winning the Inspire Award at the Mississippi FIRST® Tech Challenge Championship held in Oxford, Mississippi, which paved their way to the world competition in April 2024, and extend our best wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the "Wait for It…" team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.