Bill Text: MS HR124 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed

Mississippi House Resolution 124

Bill Title: Picayune Memorial High School Cheerleaders; commend on winning state and national championships.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Passed) 2026-03-26 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR124 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2026-HR124-Engrossed.html

MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2026 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Hobgood-Wilkes

House Resolution 124

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2025-2026 PICAYUNE MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING TEAM ON WINNING THE 2026 UNIVERSAL CHEERLEADING ASSOCIATION (UCA) NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE 2025 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on February 8, 2026, with an extraordinary performance that will surely not be forgotten, the Picayune Memorial High School Maroon Tide Cheerleading Team reigned supreme when the cheerleaders were named the 2026 Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) National High School Cheerleading Champions in the Small Varsity D2 Non-Tumbling Game Day Division at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida; and

WHEREAS, before capturing first place in a competitive field of over 80 programs from across the United States at the UCA Nationals, the Maroon Tide Cheerleaders began what would ultimately be part of a history-making event for Picayune Memorial High School when the squad incredibly brought home the state title from the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) State Cheerleading Championship in the 6A Varsity Game Day Division held at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson on December 13, 2025; and

WHEREAS, with the Picayune Memorial cheerleaders unbelievably being not only state champions but national champions, as well, in the same season, the Maroon Tide's phenomenal year will go down in the annals of school history as the first time ever that the varsity cheerleading program has held both state and national titles simultaneously; and

WHEREAS, the 2025-2026 cheerleading squad's winning routine, specifically designed to showcase authentic game-day spirit, was highlighted by a band chant, crowd-leading section, and the Picayune Memorial High School Fight Song, and their flawless execution, with precise movements seeming effortless as the athletically fit cheerleaders performed as a cohesive unit, clearly demonstrated the Maroon Tide cheerleading program's high standards and unrivaled dominance; and

WHEREAS, through the Picayune Memorial High cheerleaders' dedication and excellence in performance, members of the team have demonstrated exceptional character and discipline, whether in the classroom or on the sidelines or the mat, and have developed unparalleled teamwork representing the highest standards of sportsmanship and leadership through school spirit; and

WHEREAS, the remarkable success of the Picayune Memorial Maroon Tide cheerleaders would not have been possible without the countless hours of intense practice, positive attitudes and enthusiasm of each of the following talented student-athletes who comprise the 2025-2026 varsity cheerleading squad: Captain Kinsley Grays, Co-Captain Addison Watts, A'Layjah Buckley, Hollie Hill, Kamryn Hayden, Aubrie Hinton, Devin Craft, Presley Wells, Parker Johnson, Abby Miller, Addisyn Ruffin, Khloe Campbell, Adelynn Smith, Keagan Archer, Kenya Badon, Maylee Woodard and Destiny Kirby; and

WHEREAS, the cheerleaders have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Cheer Coach Jessica Smith and Assistant Coach Caroline Nichelson, who together have combined their considerable talents and years of experience to refine the squad's skills and precision in execution; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of outstanding student-athletes such as the Picayune Memorial High School Maroon Tide Cheerleaders, who have brought prestige and honor to their families, school, the City of Picayune and the 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 Picayune Memorial High School Maroon Tide Cheerleaders and Cheer Coaches Jessica Smith and Caroline Nichelson on winning the 2026 Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) National High School Cheerleading Championship in the Small Varsity D2 Non-Tumbling Game Day Division and the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) 6A Varsity Game Day Division Cheer State Championship and extend best wishes to the team for continued success in all their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Picayune Memorial High School Maroon Tide Cheerleading Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.