Senate Resolution 53

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE OAK GROVE HIGH SCHOOL "LADY WARRIORS" CHEER TEAM AND COACH ASHLEY BURDINE FOR WINNING THE 2024 UNIVERSAL CHEERLEADERS ASSOCIATION (UCA) NATIONAL LARGE VARSITY GAME DAY LIVE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THEIR IMPRESSIVE RECORD OF FIFTEEN STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

WHEREAS, we join the students and faculty of Oak Grove High School in Lamar County, Mississippi, in recognizing the National High School Cheerleading Championship honors earned by the "Lady Warriors" Cheer Team; and

WHEREAS, the Oak Grove Cheer Team has won two National Championships: Large Varsity Game Day Division 1 in 2022 and in 2024; and

WHEREAS, the National High School Cheerleading Championship hosted 1,183 teams across 34 states. Teams competing at the championship must have qualified at a regional competition in 2023. Teams were credentialed in cheer safety and leadership training, endorsed by the National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS), as well as in the areas of crowd leading, spirit raising, ambassadorship, athleticism and entertainment. Cheerleading teams are judged on their stunting and tumbling skills, crowd-leading ability and overall performance. Teams competed in Traditional Routine, Game Day and the newest division at the championship game, Game Day Live, which allows cheer teams to perform with their school's band members in a live performance setting and translate their traditions from the sidelines to the competition floor; and

WHEREAS, the National High School Cheerleading Championship was the first of its kind in 1980, created to reward cheerleaders for their work on the sidelines and to create a venue in which they could be recognized for their talents and abilities. This championship has been featured on ESPN since 1983 and broadcast to millions of homes. Varsity Spirit partnered with the Walt Disney World Resort in 1995 and has been creating an unforgettable National Championship experience ever since; and

WHEREAS, the Oak Grove Cheer Team has won an impressive 15 Mississippi State Championships in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2023. In 2023, the Oak Grove High School Cheerleaders were 5A-7A All Girl State Champions; and

WHEREAS, the 2024 Oak Grove Championship Cheer Team Roster is: Sydney Clearman, Bethany Folks, Nailah Gamble, Maddison Graham, Shauna Harvey, Madi Langston, Hollyn McDaniel, I'Miya Oatis, Emma Ogletree, Kiera Roberts, Camryn Stamps, Skye Storozuk, Anne Claire Adams, Aden McDaniel, Hannah Rudisill, Sophie Rudisill, Kayleigh White, Addy Beasley, Joiner Brewer, Amri Moran, Emily Skinner, Addysen Wagner, Enley Boutwell, Cadence Brown and Head Coach Ashley Burdine; and

WHEREAS, this National Championship provides a platform where athletes can showcase their incredible talent as they elevate the student experience, and it is with great pride that we recognize these student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Oak Grove High School "Lady Warriors" Cheer Team and Coach Ashley Burdine for winning the 2024 UCA National Large Varsity Game Day Live Championship and for their impressive record of fifteen state championships, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Ashley Burdine for the team and Oak Grove Principal Helen Price, forwarded to the Lamar County Board of Education and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.