House Resolution 154

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL COMMODORES TENNIS TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2024 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A TENNIS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Lafayette High School Commodores Tennis Team reigned supreme against Stone County at the 2024 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A Tennis State Championship, the team's fourth consecutive state title; and

WHEREAS, striving to win with unparalleled motivation and ardent determination, the Commodores' mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they entered the court until they claimed their well deserved championship title with a 4-3 win; and

WHEREAS, the team's statistics were impressive during its season, but the key to the Commodores' consistent success has been the tremendous dedication and year-round hard work by the team's talented players; and

WHEREAS, the 2024 Lafayette High School Commodores Tennis Team is comprised of the following distinguished student-athletes: Peyton Allen, Caroline Butts, Ethan Byrd, Chloe Childress, Stanley George, DJ Hayes, Cate Hughes, Reed Jordan, Alexandra Lampton, Jenna Kate Lampton, Jake Leary, Porter Lindsey, Parker Martin, Sarah Puckett, Finley Rico, Amelia Roeder, Lila Sealy, Tryston Schweigart, Cohen Scruggs, Bentli Spicer, Tate Spicer, Annelyse Smith, Owens Smith, Bailey Tatum, Presley Thomas, Anthony Vazquez, Luke Westmoreland, Alex Wilkinson and Finley Wright; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being included on this illustrious tennis team, Alexandra Lampton has also won back-to-back Class 5A Girls Singles at the MHSAA State Tennis Championships, a truly outstanding accomplishment; and

WHEREAS, the Commodores have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Debbie Swindoll, and Assistant Coaches Ryan Mounce, Ashley Holcomb and Caitlin Thomas, who have broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, in their tireless dedication, the Commodores have developed a winning, cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitudes reflect great credit upon the individual players, Coach Swindoll, and the assistant coaches; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize exceptional Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Lafayette High School Commodores Tennis Team, whose hard work, dedication, and excellence on the field brings honor to Lafayette High School and 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 Lafayette High School Commodores Tennis Team and Head Coach Debbie Swindoll upon winning the 2024 MHSAA Class 5A Tennis State Championship, and extend best wishes to the Commodores for continued success in all their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Debbie Swindoll, on behalf of the Lafayette High School Commodores Tennis Team, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.