A rose to the four teams of students from Columbus Middle Schools who recently competed in the Destination ImagiNation finals in Knoxville, Tenn. While one of the four teams finished 10th overall in the competition that including 1,276 teams from 45 states, in truth all of the team members gained from the experience something that is less quantifiable, but ultimately more important, than a ranking.
By working in teams on a a project that stretched over months, the students learned valuable lessons. In most instances, future success is built on collaboration. By learning to depend on each other and perform their individual roles within the context of a team, these students are preparing themselves for the real-word reality that they will face far beyond their school years.
A rose to the Columbus Municipal School District for revisiting their decision to let the contract of the board’s attorney, David Dunn, expire this month. Two weeks after making that decision, the board voted to extend Dunn’s contract for another three years. At a time when the district faces sobering challenges, the steady presence of Dunn, who has served as the board attorney for more than 20 years, will be an asset for as the district moves forward.
A thorn to the Lowndes County supervisors who are considering a “saggy pants” ordinance of its own. This comes after the Columbus board voted in such a ban, which in turn came a few months after the city of Tupelo voted for such a ban. Apparently, local governments are incapable of distinguishing between personal preference and public welfare. One day, when peace rules the planet, the subject of baggy paints may emerge as a pressing issue worthy of government scrutiny. That day has not arrived, however.
A rose to Dr. Martha Liddell, who was named the superintendent of Columbus schools earlier this week. While other candidates dropped out of the race – two in the final few days of the process – Liddell ultimately stood alone in the field. Having served as the district’s interim superintendent insures a certain degree of continuity for the district.
A rose to the Mississippi State baseball team, which swept through the Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament in Hoover, Ala., last week to capture MSU’s seventh SEC Tournament title. The Bulldogs ran off five wins in six games, defeating Vanderbilt in the championship game. MSU, which was languishing with a 5-10 conference record at the season’s midpoint, finished as the hottest team in the conference.
A rose to the Townsend family, owners of Sunflower Food Store, as the family celebrates their 50th anniversary in the grocery business. The store, founded by Ed Townsend in 1962, is now run by Ed’s son, Steve and his grandson, Clark. Family-owned businesses are vital to the communities in which they operate because they are invested in the community in a way that big box stores can never match.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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