A rose to the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for approving a $5,000 grant to the Mississippi School for Math and Science. MSMS, which is funded by the state, is hoping to raise $40,000 to sustain programs, maintain enrollment and build its endowment. While Mississippi politicians talk about the value of education, they have steadily decreased funding over the past few years. MSMS, meanwhile, is a shining example of what a real commitment to education can do. In 25 years, the Columbus-based school has been a role model for quality education. We are happy that the CVB recognizes that and has chosen to give real support to its efforts.
A thorn to computers. Specifically, a thorn to the computers used to compile the national community college football ranking. This week, the poll included the computer ratings in making its rankings. As a result, East Mississippi Community College, the defending national champions, dropped from first to fourth in the national poll. The unbeaten Lions received eight first-place votes from the humans who vote in the poll. The computer, meanwhile, crunched the numbers in a crooked fashion. In fact, Gulf Coast, which ascended to the No. 1 spot, received no first-place votes in the poll. Fortunately for the Lions, the numbers that matter remain on the scoreboard.
A visitor to Columbus was observed nodding toward the new Soccer Complex on Saturday and saying, “Something big is going on down there.” We agree. A rose to the groups and individuals who made the new park at Burns Bottom a possibility and to the hundreds of people who came out for the grand opening celebration Saturday. Sports have a way of bringing people together and there was a large and diverse crowd noted Saturday morning. Those recognized Saturday as making the park possible include members of the Columbus City Council, Lowndes County Board of Supervisors, the board of the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority, Kevin Stafford, Joey Hudnall and CLRA Director Roger Short. A nod also to the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau, sponsors of the park and city and county employees who worked on the project.
A rose to the Columbus Municipal School District and the 200 or so parents who turned out in enthusiastic support of the district’s first Parent Volunteer Fair, held Thursday at Columbus High. The district’s efforts to engage parents by encouraging them to take an active role in their children’s school lives is of critical importance. There are many whose contributions to improving schools go no further than complaining. In that respect, it is encouraging to see so many parents who are willing to really get involved in helping our schools improve.
A rose to livestock. Better put, a rose to the decision to bring livestock back as part of the Lowndes County Fair. For the first time in years, the Fair featured livestock shows, something that had historically been a staple of county fairs dating to the 1800s. Thanks to area 4-H club members, county extension agent Reid Nevins and Fair president Jane Burns Jordan, this year’s Fair boasted an outstanding livestock display. Let’s hope it’s the first of many.
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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