Senate Resolution 56

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE EAST RANKIN ACADEMY "LADY PATRIOTS" GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM AND COACH DAVID HOPPER FOR WINNING THEIR THIRD CONSECUTIVE MAIS CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, we join the students, faculty and parents of East Rankin Academy in celebrating the third consecutive State Championship by the "Lady Patriots" Girls Cross Country Team; and

WHEREAS, the East Rankin Academy (ERA) Patriot Cross Country Team concluded their 2023 regular season on Monday, October 23rd. The "Lady Patriots," entering the season as the No. 1 ranked team in the state, defended their MAIS 5A State Championship for a third consecutive year. The varsity girls' team, led by junior, Audrey Mayatte, defeated runner-up, Simpson Academy by two points. The scoring five "Lady Patriots" included Audrey Mayatte; eighth grader, Emma Raines; sixth grader, Jewel Baker; sophomore, Jensen Baker; and sophomore, Emily Williams; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 season kicked off with the "Lady Patriots" Varsity Cross Country Team winning the season opener at the Simpson Academy Early Bird. This success would set the stage for the "Lady Patriots'" winning seven of their ten season matchups, including the Park Place Invitational, the Jackson Victors Kickoff, the Forerunners Night Run, the MRA Invitational and the Clinton Arrow Invitational; and

WHEREAS, as finalists in the top ten of the varsity 5K races, three "Lady Patriots" were named to the MAIS 5A All-State Team to include sophomore, Audrey Mayatte; eighth grader, Emma Raines; and sixth grader, Jewel Baker; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 ERA Team, coached by Coach David Hopper, concluded the season with the varsity "Lady Patriots" ranked First in MAIS 5A and Second in the MAIS overall; and

WHEREAS, the East Rankin Academy "Lady Patriots" Girls Cross Country Championship Team Roster: Jewel Baker, Chandler Hunt, Haley Headrick, Kate Bryant, Emma Raines, Leah Collipp, Emily Williams, Jensen Baker, Arin Hawk, Savannah Smithers, Audrey Mayatte, Rachel Smith, Lydia Collipp, Audrey Hawk, Marlee Rakinic, Kylee Holifield, Katie Simpson, Lane Riemann, Addison Vowell, Abby Raines and Katie Lee Tadlock; and Coach David Hopper; and

WHEREAS, 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 East Rankin Academy "Lady Patriots" Girls Cross Country Team and Coach David Hopper for winning their third consecutive MAIS Class 5A State Championship, and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach David Hopper and East Rankin Academy Head of School Robyn Winstead for the team, forwarded to the East Rankin Academy Board of Trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.