House Concurrent Resolution 68

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL ARMY JROTC DRILL TEAM AND MASTER SERGEANT TODD NORRIS FOR WINNING THE 2014-2015 ARMY JROTC DRILL TEAM STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Florence High School Army JROTC Drill Team defeated 24 competitor drill teams at a state-wide competition to win the 2014-2015 Army JROTC Drill Team State Championship, which was held at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, on December 13, 2014; and

WHEREAS, outmaneuvering the competition with their superlative military precision, the Florence High School Army JROTC Drill Team not only reigned supreme in both the Armed Division and the Unarmed Division competitions, but their first-class performances also earned the team a total of 13 awards during the meet; and

WHEREAS, claiming victory was preceded by a long and tireless pathway, a pathway that was lined with countless hours of grueling practices where the Florence High School Army JROTC Drill Team dedicated their strength and stamina to perfecting cadences and their mental sharpness, without regard to the elements, to hone their combined skills into a disciplined, meticulous drill unit that would be worthy of the state championship awaiting at the finish line; and

WHEREAS, because each individual of the Florence High School Army JROTC Drill Team exemplifies the invaluable characteristics that truly define leadership, loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage, they were able to fervently focus on the title, and through regular practices and hard work, the team performed exceptionally well under difficult circumstances and earned the first statewide team championship for the Florence High School Army JROTC Drill Team; and

WHEREAS, the Florence High School Army JROTC Drill team has been superbly coached and inspired by Master Sergeant Todd Norris, who has broadened the teams' knowledge of JROTC and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Florence High School Principal, Tony Martin, Assistant Principals, Laura Clark and Keith Reed, and Senior Army Instructor, Sergeant Major Kevin Donahoe, also surrounded the Florence High School Army JROTC Drill Team with exceptional leadership and encouraged the team's aspirations to claim the elite championship; and

WHEREAS, members of the Florence High School Army JROTC Drill Team are Cadet Major Hunter Aguilera, Cadet Sergeant Tristan Clark, Cadet Private First Class Reed Falgout, Cadet Sergeant Meachelle Humphrey, Cadet Private First Class Christina Joiner, Cadet Sergeant Eric Kinan, Cadet Sergeant Emily King, Cadet Sergeant Lexie Lawrence, Cadet Captain Brannon Little, Cadet First Lieutenant Anna Martin, Cadet Master Sergeant Tyler McLaughlin, Cadet Sergeant Dean Millette, Cadet Major Matthew Nicholson, Cadet Colonel Bre'Anna Osborne, Cadet Private First Class Garrett Phillips, Cadet First Lieutenant Logan Roebuck, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Sandifer, Cadet Sergeant Morgan Sanford, Cadet Private First Class Allison Sims, Cadet Sergeant Andrew Skinner, Cadet Private First Class Sydney Smith, Cadet Sergeant First Class Ashley Vaughn, Cadet Sergeant Javion Williams, Cadet Sergeant Kyndall Wilson, Cadet Private First Class Lydia Wilson and Cadet Sergeant Tyler Wimberly; and

WHEREAS, participating on the Army JROTC drill team constantly motivated the young people of Florence High School to be the best they can be, not only during practice but also while they rigorously studied at their desks, so the cadets never neglected their academic pursuits to accomplish their championship goal; and as a result of their laborious dedication, the Florence High School Army JROTC Drill Team boasts a combined overall grade point average of 3.71 out of a possible 4.00, undoubtedly their most impressive feat; and

WHEREAS, the Florence High School Army JROTC Drill Team have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual cadets and their coach and bring honor to Florence High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding student athletes, such as the Florence High School Army JROTC Drill Team:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Florence High School Army JROTC Drill Team and Master Sergeant Todd Norris for winning the 2014-2015 Army JROTC Drill Team State Championship and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Florence High School, Master Sergeant Todd Norris and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.