Roses and thorns
A rose to the Columbus Exchange Club for again recognizing outstanding teen students from throughout Lowndes County. The club’s annual Youth of the Year Awards and Accepting the Challenge of Excellence Awards (A.C.E.) recognized the remarkable work of 14 students from the county’s eight high schools at Lion Hills Center. Six students received A.C.E. awards, presented to students who have overcome a major obstacle on their path toward success.
With eight students, one from each high school, were presented Youth of the Year Awards, which goes to students who have achieved success in academics, community service, extracurricular activities and leadership. The overall A.C.E. Award recipient was Bailey Beard of Columbus Christian Academy, while Matthew Sarpong of Mississippi School for Math and Science was chosen as the overall Youth of the Year Award. Anyone who complains about “today’s youth,” need only consider these young men and women to find reason for optimism.
A rose to the history students at Mississippi School for Math and Sciences and director Chuck Yarborough for another outstanding performance of “Tales from the Crypt” at Friendship Cemetery. Students in three MSMS history classes completed the 25th annual production of Tales Friday night. During this year’s run, 1,880 visitors enjoyed an engaging, entertaining and educational series of performances this year that explored race, class, gender, war, loss and love among other topics through local history.
Tales from the Crypt has challenged Columbus & Lowndes County residents and our guests to reconsider what they believe about our collective past. In other words, the event has challenged us to think.
A rose to Mississippi State and its supporters for reaching a significant fund-raising goal this week that bodes well for the continued success of the university. Officials announced the university’s capital fundraising campaign, Infinite Impact, has raised approximately $503.1 million and is closing in on its $600 million goal.
The university quietly raised almost $345 million since 2010 when it publicly announced the fundraiser two years ago. The funds will be used to secure long-range planning efforts for the school’s eight academic colleges, the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College, library, athletics department and MSU’s Meridian campus.
In an era where state-funding continues to fall short of needs, fund-raising is even more critical than ever. MSU supporters continue to answer that critical call. Almost 50,000 individual contributors have participated in the Infinite Impact fundraiser, according the school.
Since its inception, the campaign has created 325 new endowed scholarships and 24 endowed faculty positions.
A rose to staff and volunteers who put together this week’s local celebration of National Library Week at The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library. Libraries are far more than simply repositories of reading materials. The serve the community in a number of ways, through programs, lectures and providing meeting space for community groups. Our library system provides access to print and e-books, story times for children, free technology classes and much more. To celebrate those varied roles, the Columbus-Lowndes Library held special events throughout the week, culminating with a special Story Time With Mother Goose on Saturday.
A rose to organizers, participants and all those who turned out for Super Bulldog Weekend and The Cotton District Arts Festival. The weekend marked the 30th annual SBW, which features MSU football, baseball and softball action and served to bring MSU’s faithful back to campus. Saturday’s Cotton District Arts Festival featured scores of artisans, vendors and music performances. From traditional crafts to pottery and jewelry, more than 150 individual sellers turned out for the event. The festival, which highlights local and regional artisans, is in its second decade.
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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