Mississippi SR61: Commend Simpson Academy Lady Cougars Girls Basketball Team and Coach Linda Dear for winning 2026 MAIS 4A State Championship.

What the bill says

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.

From the engrossed text:

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. WHEREAS, the Simpson Academy Lady Cougars Girls Basketball Team secured the 2026 MAIS Class 4A Division 1 State Championship on February 14, 2026, by defeating East Rankin Academy 54-45, led by freshman Elle McNulty's 19 points. It is the Lady Cougars' first title since 2019; and WHEREAS, Coach Linda Dear earned her fifth career state title in her 40-year coaching career. Coach Dear has led the Simpson Academy program for 23 years, with this championship marking another major milestone for the team. She has surpassed the win threshold. "It's very special," said Coach Dear. "I've coached these kids since they were in second grade. East Rankin Academy has stood in our way of several championships, and we felt like this was our day, and we were not going to be denied"; and WHEREAS, the Lady Cougars later finished as runners-up in the MAIS Overall Tournament; and *SS08/R1581* S. R. No. 61 ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2 26/SS08/R1581 PAGE 1 (rdd\kr) WHEREAS, 2026 Season Key Highlights: • MAIS 4A-D1 Championship: Simpson Academy defeated East Rankin Academy 54-45; • Tournament Run: The team defeated Pillow Academy 55-38 in …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Berry, Andy (R, 35) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. March 20, 2026: Adopted
2. March 16, 2026: Title Suff Do Be Adopted
3. March 9, 2026: Referred To Rules

Votes

• Adopted (March 20, 2026): 45 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SR61?

SR61 is a bill in the Mississippi Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Commend Simpson Academy Lady Cougars Girls Basketball Team and Coach Linda Dear for winning 2026 MAIS 4A State Championship.

What does SR61 do?

In its own words: 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.

What is the status of SR61?

Passed both chambers as of March 20, 2026. Latest action: Adopted (March 20, 2026).

Who sponsored SR61?

Berry, Andy (R, 35).

Where is the official record for SR61?

On the Mississippi Legislature website: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SR/SR0061.xml