House Resolution 75

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SUCCESS OF THE IDA B. WELLS APAC SCHOOL THESPIAN TROUPE 4909 UPON WINNING THE CHAPTER SELECT CATEGORY AT THE INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN FESTIVAL (ITF) AND RECOGNIZING THEIR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEATRE ARTS.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Chapter Select competition is a prestigious honor that showcases the exceptional talents of high school theater productions across the state; and

WHEREAS, the Ida B. Wells APAC School Thespian Troupe 4909 has distinguished itself as one of the top-performing high school theater groups in Mississippi by winning the Chapter Select Category at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) for the second consecutive year; and

WHEREAS, this remarkable achievement is a testament to the troupe's consistent excellence in performance, direction, and overall theatrical artistry, as demonstrated through their outstanding production of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enuf," written by Ntozake Shange, directed by Ashia Benford, and choreographed by Ms. Malaika Quarterman; and

WHEREAS, the troupe, consisting of cast and crew who have each contributed to this prestigious achievement, will be representing the State of Mississippi at the International Thespian Festival, to be held in Bloomington, Indiana, from June 22-27, 2025, including: cast members, Ava Reed – Lady in Red, Brooklyn Bailey – Lady in Orange, Brooklyn Jefferson – Lady in Purple, BryAnna Johnson – Ensemble, Hannah King – Lady in Green, Kylie Smith – Ensemble, Madison Cormack – Lady in Brown, Raylan McKinest – Lady in Blue and Saniya Coleman – Lady in Yellow; crew members, Nya Crudup – Stage Manager, Rivka Quarterman – Sound Tech and Victoria Smith – Assistant Stage Manager; and staff, Ashia Benford – Guest Director, Malaika Quarterman – Lead Staff Member and Madison Upendo – Technical Director; and

WHEREAS, the members of Troupe 4909 have showcased their dedication to the art of storytelling through their minimalist yet compelling performance, emphasizing the heart of theatrical endeavors and showcasing their imaginative storytelling abilities; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when exemplified in the extraordinary student accomplishments, as evidenced in the success of the Ida B. Wells APAC School Thespian Troupe 4909, which has brought great honor and pride to their school, the City of Jackson and the entire 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 Ida B. Wells APAC School Thespian Troupe 4909 for their outstanding achievement in winning the Chapter Select Category at the International Thespian Festival, representing the State of Mississippi with excellence in the art of theatre, and extend best wishes to the troupe's continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Ida B. Wells APAC School Thespian Troupe 4909, their director and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.