A rose to Dr. Rick Young, who announced he will retire from East Mississippi Community College after 11 years as the school’s president.
Under Young’s guidance, EMCC has enjoyed unprecedented growth and success in almost every measurable category, from academics to athletics to facilities to programs. By building strong alliances with local industry, the Golden Triangle Development LINK and Mississippi State University, Young, 64, has positioned EMCC to be the model by which workforce training will be measured in the state. Thanks to Young’s efforts, his successor will take over an institution ideally suited for whatever challenges — and opportunities — emerge.
A rose to all those fans who are beginning to show up for Mississippi State women’s basketball games. On Thursday, a record crowd of more than 5,000 turned out at Humphrey Coliseum to watch the 18th-ranked Bulldogs improve to 22-2 on the year with a 69-44 win over Vanderbilt, a turn-out that even drew raves from opposing coach Melanie Balcomb. “I think it was awesome,” Balcomb said. “I have been coming here a long time and there has been nobody in the stands. Our women play hard. They put the same time in as the men and they deserve the crowd they are getting here. … kudos to Mississippi State because that is really something that is important for every program at this level.”
A rose to Fred Bell, who was recently presented with the Lifetime Service Award from the Mississippi CrimeStoppers organization at its annual conference in Biloxi. Bell helped organize the Golden Triangle CrimeStoppers program in 1991 and is the organizations past chairman and vice chairman. He currently serves on the board and as treasurer. CrimeStoppers has proven to be a valuable resource for law enforcement and is further evidence that an active, alert community is one of the best weapons available in the fight against crime We commend Fred on his long service.
A rose to the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors and county administrator Ralph Billingsley for their decision to refinance $7 million in county bonds that could ultimately save the county $200,000 in interest payments on those bonds, which expire in 2022. This board has proven to be careful stewards of taxpayer money, as this move further indicates.
A rose to top spellers Hunter Perrigin and Matthew Swiderski, who emerged as the top two finishers during Friday’s city-wide spelling bee held at Columbus Middle School. Perrigin, an eighth-grader at Columbus Middle School, took home first place while Swiderski, a sixth-grader at Annunciation Catholic School, was the runner-up among the 44 competitors from grades 4-8 representing the city’s public and private schools.
Send your suggestions for Roses and thorns to Slim Smith at [email protected].
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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