A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SIMPSON ACADEMY LADY COUGARS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH LINDA DEAR FOR WINNING THE 2026 MAIS CLASS 4A DIVISION 1 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND AS RUNNERS-UP IN THE OVERALL TOURNAMENT.
Summary
Senate Resolution 61 is a ceremonial resolution that commends and congratulates the Simpson Academy Lady Cougars girls basketball team and Head Coach Linda Dear for winning the 2026 MAIS Class 4A Division I State Championship and finishing as runners-up in the MAIS Overall Tournament. The resolution highlights the team’s championship win over East Rankin Academy, its postseason run, the team’s 30-5 record, and Coach Dear’s long coaching career, including her fifth state title and more than 500 career wins.
The resolution also formally recognizes the student-athletes and the school community for bringing honor to Simpson Academy and to the State of Mississippi. It directs that copies of the resolution be presented to Coach Dear, forwarded to Simpson Academy’s headmaster and board of trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
Impact
SR61 does not change state law, create new legal duties, or appropriate funds. Its effect is limited to official legislative recognition and public commendation of a private school athletic program, with no impact on statutory rights, regulations, or government operations beyond the ceremonial record.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is overwhelmingly positive and celebratory. The Senate adopted the resolution unanimously, 45-0, indicating broad bipartisan or noncontroversial support for honoring the team’s athletic success and Coach Linda Dear’s career achievements.
Contention
There is no notable substantive contention reflected in the bill text, vote, or available context. Because the measure is purely honorary, discussion appears to have been limited to recognition of the team’s accomplishments rather than any policy dispute. The only identifiable focus is the accuracy and prominence of the athletic achievements being celebrated, including the state title, overall runner-up finish, and Coach Dear’s milestone career record.