MS SC598

Commends and congratulates the Lewisburg High School "Patriot" Marching Band and Band Director Mel Morse for winning the 2012 Class 4A State Marching Band Championship, the band's third state title in four years.

Recognizes previous state championships won by the band in 2009 and 2010, and notes the band's achievement despite having only been in existence since 2006.

Acknowledges the band's small staff of two directors (Mel Morse and Kim Hallmark) and the leadership contributions of 25 senior band members who practice up to 14 hours per week.

Highlights community support and the band program's origins following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when 75 parents attended an initial meeting in driving rain to begin the program.

Directs that the resolution be presented to Band Director Mel Morse, Lewisburg High School Principal James Brady, and the DeSoto County Board of Education.