Bill Text: MS HR53 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: West Lauderdale High School Knights Cheerleading Squad; commend on winning second consecutive MHSAA 4A State Championship.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)
Status: (Passed) 2026-02-19 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR53 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-HR53-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Calvert
House Resolution 53
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WEST LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL KNIGHTS CHEERLEADERS AND HEAD COACH COURTNEY SMITH ON WINNING THEIR SECOND CONSECUTIVE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2025, with an unbelievable performance surely to be remembered for years to come, the West Lauderdale High School Knights Cheerleading Squad reigned supreme yet again when the cheerleaders captured the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) 4A Cheer State Championship at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, having brought home the MHSAA championship trophy in the Varsity Game Day 4A Division just a year earlier, the West Lauderdale Knights' incredible back-to-back state titles solidified the squad's high-performing reputation as a reliably successful program marked by a commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the mat; and
WHEREAS, in addition to their phenomenal performance at the State Championship, the Knights cheerleaders, always amazing judges and audiences alike with their highly synchronized routines and thrilling stunts, earned division titles in both the Game Day and Traditional categories at the 2025 Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Magnolia Regional; and
WHEREAS, the West Lauderdale Knights Cheerleading Squad has developed unparalleled teamwork and a spirit of trust in each other, consistently making their precise movements appear effortless as the athletically fit members of the squad safely perform complex routines as a single, cohesive unit; and
WHEREAS, the exceptional success of the West Lauderdale Knights would not be possible without the tireless intensive training, positive attitudes and enthusiasm of each of the following talented student-athletes who comprise the 2025 cheerleading squad: Addison McPherson, Addy Miller, Allie Parten, Aselyn Thompson, Ashlyn Clay, Audrey Busfield, Bella Watson, De'Zyion Wilson, Gracie Joyner, Jace Letkiewicz, Kalie Church, Kassie Calvert, Kaylee Flake, Kaylee Walker, Kennedy Hicks, Kennedy Thompson, Kinsley Snyder, Laci Boswell, Lanie Williams, Makenzie Gilson, Melanie Rodgers, Rose Johnson, Sarah Higginbotham and Taylor Perryman; and
WHEREAS, the cheerleaders have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Cheer Coach Courtney Smith, who in her first year at West Lauderdale has described the year as "phenomenal with this group of girls," and Choreographer Laura Posey, 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 West Lauderdale High School Knights Cheerleaders, who have brought honor to their families, school and community 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 West Lauderdale High School Knights Cheerleaders and Head Cheer Coach Courtney Smith on winning their second consecutive Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Championship and extend best wishes for continued success in all their future athletic and academic endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Cheer Coach Courtney Smith on behalf of the West Lauderdale High School Knights Cheerleaders and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
