A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL LADY GOLDEN TORNADOES BASKETBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 2026 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 62 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Laurel High School Lady Golden Tornadoes basketball team for winning the 2026 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A state championship. The resolution recounts the team’s dominant 52-26 victory over Holmes County Central, its 20-game winning streak, and its 32-2 season, while also highlighting individual performances by players such as Kayllis Walker and Jahyla Dubose.
The resolution also recognizes the academic achievement of senior guard Gracelyn Carmichael and pays tribute to Head Coach Sherri Cooley, noting her 25-year coaching career, her retirement after the championship game, and her battle with breast cancer. It further acknowledges the assistant coaches, team manager, and the broader accomplishments of the team during the season, emphasizing hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Impact
HC62 does not change state law, create new programs, or appropriate funds. Its effect is purely ceremonial: it formally commends the Laurel High School Lady Golden Tornadoes and Coach Sherri Cooley, and directs that copies of the resolution be sent to Laurel High School, Coach Cooley, and the Capitol Press Corps. The resolution has no regulatory or legal impact on schools, athletics, or state agencies beyond the Legislature’s public recognition of the team.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and celebratory. The House and Senate adopted it unanimously, reflecting broad bipartisan support for honoring a successful high school team and recognizing Coach Cooley’s career and health struggles. The tone of the resolution itself is congratulatory and appreciative, with additional expressions of support and prayers for Coach Cooley’s recovery.
Contention
There is no notable policy contention in the bill or the available discussion, because the measure is a noncontroversial honorary resolution. The only substantive focus is praise for the team’s championship season and sympathy for Coach Cooley’s retirement and breast cancer battle. The unanimous vote suggests no disagreement among legislators.