Senate Resolution 120

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE HERNANDO HIGH SCHOOL "TIGERS" MARCHING BAND AND DIRECTORS LEN KILLOUGH AND DJ FITZGERALD FOR CONSECUTIVE MHSAA 7A MARCHING CHAMPIONSHIPS.

WHEREAS, we join the students, faculty, parents and citizens of Hernando, DeSoto County, Mississippi, in recognizing the Hernando High School "Tigers" Marching Band for winning the 2023 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 7A Marching Band Championship, and for their history of band excellence; and

WHEREAS, the Hernando High School Band has an impressive record of achievements in marching band, including the following:

· Consecutive MHSAA Sweepstakes Awards since the inception of the award;

· Grand Champion at the 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2023 MHSAA 7A Marching Band Championships;

· Silver Medalists at the 2021 MHSAA 6A Marching Championships;

· Overall 2nd Place at the 2023 BOA Memphis Regional Class 2A;

· Grand Champion at the 2023 MHSAA 7A Marching Band Championships;

· Finalist at the 2022 BOA St. Louis Super Regional;

· Silver Medalist at the 2022 MHSAA 6A Marching Championships;

· Class 2A Champion at the 2022 BOA Jacksonville Regional;

· Class 2A Champion at the 2023 BOA Memphis Regional;

· The band has participated in parades such as the Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C., the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, Texas, and the NATO Parade of Nations in Norfolk, Virginia;

· They have been honored by the Mississippi State Senate and the City of Hernando on multiple occasions; and

WHEREAS, the Hernando High School Band serves as the source of instrumental music instruction for students in grades 6-12 at Hernando Middle School and Hernando High School in Hernando, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Len Killough is currently in his eleventh year as Director of Bands at Hernando High School. Under his direction, the Hernando Band has been named a four-time Grand Champion at the Mississippi High School Activities Association 6A State Marching Band Championship and is a multiple class champion and finalist at Bands of America Regional and Super Regional Events. Mr. Killough has led the band to consecutive Sweepstakes Awards from the Mississippi High School Activities Association, recognizing Superior Ratings from every judge in every caption to the entire scholastic year; and

WHEREAS, DJ Fitzgerald is in his first year with the Hernando Band program and serves as Marching Band Director. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of the Pride of the South Marching Band, the University Wind Ensemble, the Mississippians Jazz Ensemble and the Ole Miss Trombone Ensemble. During the summer months, Mr. Fitzgerald serves as the Visual Caption Head of Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps in Mobile, Alabama; and

WHEREAS, students at Hernando High School are given many opportunities to develop and use their musical talents, learn organizational skills, and develop lasting peer relationships spanning all grades. In addition, they quickly develop a strong understanding of individual responsibility, discipline and accountability to contribute to the overall success of the entire band. These life skills will serve them well in everything they attempt in the future; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we acknowledge the musical history of this outstanding group of students who have again 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 Hernando High School "Tigers" Marching Band and Directors Len Killough and DJ Fitzgerald for consecutive MHSAA 7A Marching Championships and extend to the band members, directors, parents and sponsors our best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Directors of Bands Len Killough and DJ Fitzgerald, Hernando High School Principal Duane Case, forwarded to the DeSoto County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.