A rose to the Columbus Municipal School District for its efforts to make the intimidating subjects of science, technology and engineering fun and approachable through its new SmartLab. The space at Columbus High includes stations in alter circuitry, computer graphics, digital communications, mechanics and structures, robotics and control technology, scientific data and analysis, software engineering and 3-D printing. The CHS Smartlab was funded through a $165,000 grant from 21st Century Learning.
A rose to the Mississippi University for Women Student Government Association for taking an enlightened approach to the controversial subject of the Mississippi state flag. About 100 people, many of them MUW students, gathered for a forum Monday which featured a discussion on the history of the flag. After the lecture by historian Rufus Ward, students were invited to ask questions and express their views. We applaud this approach because the opinions formed are informed by a better understanding of the history of the issue. It’s a smart approach to a controversial topic.
A rose to folks in Columbus and Starkville who have come together to help the Gentry family of Starkville in the wake of a fatal accident on Nov. 6. John “Dodds” Gentry was driving his three sons — JD, 11, Jack, 9, and Josh, 6 — in his GMC Yukon on Highway 82 when he collided with a logging truck in front of him. Dodds Gentry and JD both died in the accident, while Josh remains in the hospital. A “Go Fund Me” account for the family has raised more than $115,000. Susan’s Hallmarks in both Starkville and Columbus are also accepting monetary donations.
A rose the Columbus Police Department the Columbus Municipal School District and Columbus Fire & Rescue for their efforts to make the holidays a bit brighter for some of our less fortunate younger citizens. CPD and CMSD are again collaborating on a Christmas toy drive.
Those wishing to donate to the toy drive can drop off an unwrapped toy at any Bank First or Cadence Bank in town. Toys can also be donated at the CPD lobby. Students within CMSD can also bring toys to donate to school. CPD will also partner with Columbus Fire & Rescue on Thanksgiving to feed approximately 1,400 elderly and disabled citizens in Columbus for the annual Turkey Drive. To give CPD the name of an elderly or disabled person to feed, contact the police department. For more information on either event, call Rhonda Sanders at 662-251-7355.
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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