Mayor Eric Johnson of Dallas Declares May 18th, 2022 Dallas Baptist University Patriots Day

What began as an encouraging tweet became a reality when Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson invited the Dallas Baptist University Patriettes Dance and Cheer Teams to City Hall and declared May 18th, 2022, Dallas Baptist University Patriots Day in honor of these teams back-to-back National Championship titles.

This past spring, both the Patriettes and Cheer Team traveled back to Daytona Beach, Florida. After once again earning the title of National Champions, Mayor Johnson kindly tweeted, "@DBUPatriots Congratulations! See you at Dallas City Hall! #CityofChampions." These back-to-back champions were thrilled by all the support given by the Dallas community, and on May 18th, the two teams were extended an invitation to visit Dallas City Hall.

On this day, these Dallas ladies, their coaches, and members of the DBU Athletics department were honored during the City Council meeting held at City Hall. DBU Alumna Elaine Maddox opened the meeting with a word of prayer before the Patriettes and Cheer Team were recognized.

"Dallas Baptist University is gaining more and more attention, and rightfully so. Your university, in my opinion, represents the very best of higher education and what a faith centered, morally strong, and fine institution can look like," says Mayor Johnson to the Patriettes and Cheer Team. "These teams are role models to our communities. People look up to you and you represent your university well. On behalf of the city, 1.4 million Dallasites congratulate you and thank you for your hard work."

The Patriettes Dance and Cheer Teams were awarded an official proclamation document with the signature and stamp of Mayor Johnson as a reward for the months of hard work these teams put into their routines. The proclamation read as follows:

"WHEREAS For more than a century, Dallas Baptist University (DBU) has helped students discover their callings and make them a reality; Their campus is currently home to more than 4,300 students, representing more than 60 countries around the world, and is located in the scenic foothills of southwest Dallas; and

WHEREAS, The City of Dallas is honored to recognize the exceptional achievement of Dallas Baptist University's win in back-to-back national championships on April 8, 2022, in Daytona Beach, Florida; and

WHEREAS, At the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Nationals, DBU's Cheer Team competed in the Division II Intermediate All-Girl Division, one of the largest divisions at NCA, to triumphantly defend their 2021 title; DBU Cheer earned a final score of 96.21 while also achieving the team's highest score in program history; and

WHEREAS, At the National Dance Alliance (NDA) College Nationals, DBU's Patriettes Dance Team also successfully defended their 2021 title; The Patriettes took home first place in the Division II Pom category and even beat their winning score from last year; and

WHEREAS, The families, teaches, staff, alumni, and coaches were integral to the victories by offering constant guidance and support to the athletes; and

WHEREAS, The championships represent wins not only for Dallas Baptist University, but for all of Dallas; and

WHEREAS, The City of Dallas is proud of Dallas Baptist University's achievements and supports its students' pursuit of excellence.

NOW, THEREFORE I, ERIC JOHNSON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DALLAS, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, May 18, 2022 as DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY PATRIOTS DAY in Dallas, Texas."

DBU is immensely grateful for the relentless support shown by Mayor Johnson and the City of Dallas.

"To be recognized by the City of Dallas is special," said Hannah Hebert, DBU alumna and current DBU Assistant to the Director of Athletics.. "We are thankful for all this city does to serve, enrich, and support our institution."

"Opportunities like DBU Patriots Day helps DBU further its mission by bringing awareness to the mission itself. Each day we strive to develop servant leaders. Bringing awareness to DBU through a day like this gives us opportunities to cultivate even more servant leaders."