SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 441 Offered January 18, 2007 Commending the Richlands High School marching band. ---------- Patrons-- Puckett; Delegate: Bowling ----------

WHEREAS, the Richlands High School marching band was named Grand Champion Band of the 2007 Cotton Bowl; and

WHEREAS, one of 12 bands selected nationally to participate in the Cotton Bowl Parade and halftime show, the Richlands High School marching band made the long journey to Dallas, Texas, and put together a suite of outstanding performances; and

WHEREAS, on December 31, 2006, the band performed in the Cotton Bowl Parade and won first place in the Group II division, and then the following day it took first-place honors in both the field show competition and in the Auxiliary with its color guard; and

WHEREAS, the main event took place on January 1, 2007, when the Richlands High School Blue Tornadoes performed along with the other participating bands in the Cotton Bowl halftime show in front of more than 66,000 people; and

WHEREAS, junior Regina White, the Blue Tornadoes' drum major, was chosen to lead the 12 bands and their 2,000-plus musicians onto the field for the halftime show; and

WHEREAS, after the halftime show ended, it was announced that the Richlands High School marching band was Grand Champion of the Cotton Bowl; and

WHEREAS, the spectacular performance of the Richlands High School marching band at the 2006 Cotton Bowl is a tribute to the talent, dedication, and perseverance of the band members; the leadership of Band Director Danny Swartz; and the support of the students, faculty, and parents of Richlands High School and the Tazewell County community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and congratulate the Richlands High School marching band on its championship performance at the 2007 Cotton Bowl; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Band Director Danny Swartz as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the Richlands High School marching band's triumphant participation in the 2007 Cotton Bowl.