A rose to Columbus Police Department for Saturday’s annual Black and White Ball. The event, held at the Trotter Center each year, is more than just a celebration. It is also raises funds for needy families and children in the community whom the CPD has adopted. The event will also raise money for National Night Out, a nationwide campaign aimed at bringing communities and police departments together. This year, the CPD will celebrate National Night Out on Aug. 4 by holding a block party for the community. It is always a good thing when law enforcement and the general public can get together in this kind of atmosphere because it helps bring down the barriers that often exist between the two.
A rose of remembrance to William Malcolm “Mack” Egger, a revered high school math and physics teacher, who over the course of 37 years at Lee High School, did what many might assume to be impossible: He made math and science fun. Egger died Monday at age 93 and the outpouring of fond memories began almost immediately. For many, the spark ignited by Egger led to careers in math and science. For others, he remained a cherished favorite for his enthusiasm and good humor. Teachers of Egger’s caliber leave vast legacies of immeasurable worth.
A thorn to the candidates who failed to attend public forums Monday in Columbus and Starkville. In Columbus, just 7 of 18 candidates turned out for the Columbus-Lowndes League of Voters candidates forum while in Starkville a forum for justice court candidates attracted just 5 of 12 candidates. The best voters are well-informed voters and candidates who refuse opportunities to help voters learn about the candidates do a disservice to the public for whom they allegedly want to serve.
A rose to Old Waverly Golf Club, which again played host to another major golf tournament. Some of the world’s most talented young golfers converged on the West Point course for the 109th Southern Amateur Golf Championship, which is widely recognized as one of the top five amateur events in the world.
The field includes top amateur players from 20 states and six countries. Chances are, some future legends of the game will have walked the fairways in this event. While this is the first Southern Amateur at Old Waverly, the prestigious course has played host previously to the Southern Junior and as well as the U.S. Women’s Open.
A rose to Dr. Maria Stephens, who will take over as chair of the Associate of Science Nursing program at Mississippi University for Women. Stephens, a faculty member and alumna of The W, has some big shoes to fill in replacing Mary Jo Kirkpatrick, who served as the chair for 23 years and led the program through successful accreditation processes, three major curriculum revisions and was the first associate degree program in Mississippi to achieve national accreditation status. Stephens’ familiarity with The W, both as a student and a faculty member, should mean a smooth transition into her new post. We wish her every success.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.