House Resolution 28

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BAY HIGH SCHOOL STEPPERS FOR WINNING THE 2014 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP AND CLAIMING ITS SIXTH CONSECUTIVE STATE TITLE.

WHEREAS, the Bay High School Steppers competed in the Class 4A Division at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) State Dance Competition in 2014, and were selected by judges as the 2014 State Dance Champions, sealing the teams fate as a six-time state champion, with six number one titles in the kick competition and five first place finishes in the Jazz division, becoming the only dance team in the state with such a record number of consecutive championships wins in both categories; and

WHEREAS, this year the Bay High School Steppers solidified their rise to championship status by continuing their reign of superiority established the past four years after winning the 2009 MHSAA Class 4A State Kick Championship, the 2010 Grand State Championship and the 2011 Grand State Championship; and

WHEREAS, remaining true to form and the niche for a tradition of greatness common among those who bear the title "champion," the Bay Steppers' assent to the pinnacle of greatness was marked by the team's pursuit of excellence in dance, but also with an articulated emphasis on academic proficiency, as evidenced by every Bay High Stepper being deemed a MHSAA Scholar Athlete; and

WHEREAS, an integral unit of the Bay High School Tiger Pride Marching Band, the Steppers along with their coaches work diligently to perfect and polish every routine to precise exactness, and continue to push themselves with zealous determination to outshine themselves with friendly intra-team competitions; and

WHEREAS, the Bay High School Steppers is comprised of: Captains, Alexandra Spoon and Madelynn Garza; senior, Cassady Compretta; juniors, Addie Haas, Alyssa Ragas and Abrey Strong; sophomores, Malori Bourn, Shelby Furr, Gabrielle Ladner, Tarah Necaise and Jillian Seymour; freshmen Isabelle Garza, Sydney Lester, Lexy Peterson; and managers Hannah Necaise and Baileigh Hall; and

WHEREAS, the Bay High School Steppers have been superbly coached by Priscilla Austin and choreographed by Hope Walley, both Bay High School graduates, Classes of 2000 and 2009, respectively, who have refined their skills in execution, acrobatics, rhythmic synchronization and dance; and

WHEREAS, named Bay High's Teacher of the Year in 2013, Coach Austin, who has been at the school for seven years now, has used her years of dance experience to help mold the team into champions, after gaining meaningful experience as a former captain of the University of Southern Mississippi's elite Dixie Darling dance team; and
WHEREAS, the Bay High Steppers have set a precedent for Mississippi's dance community over the last six years as Coach Austin's dedication and drive has created a legacy that would be hard to match for years to come; and

WHEREAS, these young people have practiced and worked together for many hours in the pursuit of excellence and have shown a high degree of sportsmanship while representing the State of Mississippi on the national level; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the young people of our state, such as the Bay High School Steppers, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Bay High School Steppers upon winning the 2014 Class 4A State Championship at the Mississippi High School Activities Association State Dance Competition and winning their sixth consecutive state championship and extend sincere wishes for continued success in all of their academic and athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Bay High School Steppers Coach Priscilla Austin, choreographer Hope Walley and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.