School news: Star Student

A revered historian ­-- the 'cheerful assassin' -- inspires a surprise tribute by protégés

Some of John Marszalek's friends are pretty good at keeping a secret. The distinguished scholar's wife, Jeanne, was even in on it. For three years or more, unbeknownst to the Mississippi State Giles Distinguished Professor Emeritus, a network of his former doctoral students worked on a tribute to the mentor who had so stirred their passion for studying the Civil War era and its influence on shaping America.

2013 state theater champs announced

The Mississippi Theatre Association held its 2013 Theatre Festival in Columbus Jan. 17-20 at Mississippi University for Women. This year's festival saw an increase in the number of attendees, maxing out at over 660 people representing six community theaters and 15 high schools. Theaters from Hattiesburg, Picayune, Tupelo and Meridian were awarded top honors in the community theater and secondary divisions.

Formal inaugural ceremony for MUW president set for Feb. 15

On Friday, Feb. 15, Dr. James B. Borsig will be installed as the 14th president of Mississippi University for Women in the university's almost 130-year-old history. The formal inaugural ceremony will be held in Rent Auditorium, Whitfield Hall, at 10 a.m.

Valentine fundraiser to benefit S.D. Lee Foundation

The Stephen D. Lee Foundation will celebrate its third annual Valentine's Day Party on Feb. 14 from 7:30-10 p.m. at Errolton, the antebellum home of Gaines and Keith Gaskin in Columbus. The fundraiser will benefit the S.D. Lee Home and Museum.

Have vets, will travel: MSU's rolling clinics train students and save lives, one dog and cat at a time

"This is an American bitsa -- a bitsa this, a bitsa that," smiled Dr. Phil Bushby, giving a playful scratch to a small black and white pooch he carried out of the mobile veterinary clinic that is his office most days of the week. If dogs can smile, this one did. The mixed breed puppy was one of 23 canines and cats spayed or neutered Wednesday at the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society, increasing their chances of being adopted and living out their lives in what shelter director Karen Johnwick calls their "forever homes."

Think the world of opera and art music is stuffy? Angela Brown's Columbus visit will make you think again

Angela Brown is a force. Whether stunning international opera audiences in roles like "Aida," singing show-stopping art songs in concert, or winning over school children with her inspired program, "Opera from a Sistah's Point of View," Angela Brown is a charming, witty, formidable force.

Dream 365 expands with new events

The Rev. Tony Montgomery of Columbus checks his watch a lot these days. He has numerous places to be and tasks to check off, as do Learnard Dickerson and Lavonne Harris, who complete the trio of lead organizers of Dream 365.

Hitting the right note: Music focus may inspire tomorrow's musicians (and teach them math as well)

Steady rain on a gray Wednesday didn't dampen spirits inside a music room at Joe Cook Elementary Fine Arts Magnet School in Columbus. Fifth-graders concentrated, drawing bows across strings as they performed a scale on violins for their music teacher, Tina Morgan. As the last notes faded, the children's faces were wreathed in smiles.

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