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S. R. No. 81 *SS26/R1621* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Senator(s) McCaughn, Tate
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 81
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WEST 1
LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL KNIGHTS CHEERLEADERS AND HEAD COACH 2
COURTNEY SMITH ON WINNING THEIR SECOND-CONSECUTIVE MISSISSIPPI 3
HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. 4
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2025, with an unbelievable 5
performance surely to be remembered for years to come, the West 6
Lauderdale High School Knights Cheerleading Squad reigned supreme 7
yet again when the cheerleaders captured the 2025 Mississippi High 8
School Activities Association (MHSAA) 4A Cheer State Championship 9
at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, Mississippi; and 10
WHEREAS, having brought home the MHSAA championship trophy in 11
the Varsity Game Day 4A Division just a year earlier, the West 12
Lauderdale Knights' incredible back-to-back state titles 13
solidified the squad's high-performing reputation as a reliably 14
successful program marked by a commitment to excellence both in 15
the classroom and on the mat; and 16
WHEREAS, in addition to their phenomenal performance at the 17
State Championship, the Knights cheerleaders, always amazing 18
judges and audiences alike with their highly synchronized routines 19
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and thrilling stunts, earned division titles in both the Game Day 20
and Traditional categories at the 2025 Universal Cheerleaders 21
Association (UCA) Magnolia Regional; and 22
WHEREAS, the West Lauderdale Knights Cheerleading Squad has 23
developed unparalleled teamwork and a spirit of trust in each 24
other, consistently making their precise movements appear 25
effortless as the athletically fit members of the squad safely 26
perform complex routines as a single, cohesive unit; and 27
WHEREAS, the exceptional success of the West Lauderdale 28
Knights would not be possible without the tireless intensive 29
training, positive attitudes and enthusiasm of each of the 30
following talented student-athletes who comprise the 2025 31
cheerleading squad: Addison McPherson, Addy Miller, Allie Parten, 32
Aselyn Thompson, Ashlyn Clay, Audrey Busfield, Bella Watson, 33
De'Zyion Wilson, Gracie Joyner, Jace Letkiewicz, Kalie Church, 34
Kassie Calvert, Kaylee Flake, Kaylee Walker, Kennedy Hicks, 35
Kennedy Thompson, Kinsley Snyder, Laci Boswell, Lanie Williams, 36
Makenzie Gilson, Melanie Rodgers, Rose Johnson, Sarah Higginbotham 37
and Taylor Perryman; and 38
WHEREAS, the cheerleaders have been superbly coached and 39
inspired by Head Cheer Coach Courtney Smith, who in her first year 40
at West Lauderdale has described the year as "phenomenal with this 41
group of girls," and Choreographer Laura Posey, who together have 42
combined their considerable talents and years of experience to 43
refine the squad's skills and precision in execution; and 44
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ST: Commend West Lauderdale High School Knights
Cheerleading Squad for winning a second-
consecutive MHSAA 4A State Championship.
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and honor 45
the achievements of these outstanding student-athletes who have 46
brought honor to their families, school and community and the 47
State of Mississippi: 48
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF 49
MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the West 50
Lauderdale High School Knights Cheerleaders and Head Cheer Coach 51
Courtney Smith on winning their second-consecutive Mississippi 52
High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State 53
Championship and extend best wishes for continued success in all 54
their future athletic and academic endeavors. 55
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to 56
Head Cheer Coach Courtney Smith and Principal Shane Rodgers on 57
behalf of the West Lauderdale High School Knights Cheerleaders, 58
forwarded to the Lauderdale County Board of Education, and made 59
available to the Capitol Press Corps. 60