Out with the old and in with the new. Whether we celebrate with champagne and parties or just slowly watching the clock tick until it passes midnight, New Year’s is a time to take stock of the past and to hope for the future.

Personally, this year has been one where I have gotten a front seat to some of the best and the worst of the Golden Triangle. Often, newspapers are required to report on crime and conflict when they occur to keep citizens informed. But I have also seen and written headlines focused around growth, creativity and compassion over the course of the past year. While it is always possible to see the bad, many have worked to create and focus on the good in Starkville, Columbus, West Point and more.

So we asked around the Golden Triangle: “What are your hopes for the new year?”

From personal goals to world peace, here is what a few of you said:

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“I guess what I would hope for is plenty of new programs here at the library. I always enjoy seeing our numbers go up as far as children’s programs go and even adult programs, too. I always look forward to the summer, because that’s when we have a lot of our programs. But overall, even just more events downtown. Anything new would be awesome. And all of the arts things at the arts council.”

Maddie Perkins

Circulation assistant and technical assistant, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, Columbus

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“My son is applying for (Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science). I hope that he gets accepted. … I’m a part of the MSU Alumni Association, the Lowndes County chapter. I hope we win the Gold Bell. It’s an award that we get based on the performance of our chapter for the past year…”

“I hope that my consulting business takes off. I’m working on my website. I hope that it’s phenomenal and that I start getting traffic for Moore consulting group. And of course, for health and blessings and all of that to come for my entire family.”

Adrienne Morris

Human resources manager for Aramark at Mississippi State University, Columbus

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“My hopes are to be healthy and to stay healthy. To continue to help other people and give back like I’ve been doing, to spend time with family and to take care of my girls.”

LaKezia Ham

Accountant at the Columbus Air Force Base

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“In the new year, I’d like to see more unity amongst the citizens of Columbus, integrity in government and no violence.”

Regina O’Neal

Substitute teacher, Columbus

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“In the new year, I’m hoping to be able to share the spirit of community and understanding that theater provides to more people of all ages! (And to shed more happy tears along the way!)”

Allison Jones

Teaching Artist at Golden Triangle Theatre Academy, Columbus

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“My goal for the new year is to help even more people achieve their dream of homeownership. My focus is creating memories rather than just capturing images, engaging in conversations with locals, participating in cultural experiences and taking mental snapshots that will stay long after a transaction. I am dedicated to transforming real estate aspirations into tangible realities.”

Akeba Shumaker

Realtor, Columbus

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“My hope for 2024 is that the Lord blesses my endeavors. That I will continue to learn, grow and evolve as a human being and give myself more grace. That I will be able to open my hands to receive more, and not just be a giver. That I will continue to be a leader and lead well. That I will be the best daughter, sister, cousin, aunt and friend I can be.”

Brayden Haynes

Account Executive for Aligned Marketing Group, Starkville

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“This is my first year as a classroom teacher. My hope for the new year is to end the school year and get through the school year, and to be proud of how I’ve grown. I’ll be proud of my students no matter what, but I hope my students are proud of what they’ve learned.”

Joy Carino

Eighth Grade Teacher , Starkville

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“I hope for a peaceful world. That people can work out their problems and get along with each other. And prosperity for everyone.”

Brenda Harris

Administrative Assistant for Mississippi State University, Starkville

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“Just happiness and peace, that people get along in the new year. I want peace. … I hope it’s better than 2023.”

Nancy Griffin

Grandmother, Starkville

“I just want to go into 2024 feeling more refreshed and able to give more of myself to my students. I feel like before the Christmas break, I was on my last leg and just struggling to get the energy to be there for them. I’m hoping to come back into 2024 with more energy to teach them and love them. My other goal, or what I’m looking forward to in 2024, is reading more books.”

Jo Beth Griffin

Seventh Grade Teacher, Starkville

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“More work. More business. More commercial work. I like to stay busy.”

Royce Hagel

Security Alarm Technician, Starkville

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“As a business owner, I love engaging with my community. There are so many awesome people, organizations and businesses in Mississippi. One of my hopes for the new year is to build new relationships with other businesses in hopes of growing my business while helping them grow theirs. Investing in and supporting our causes and businesses is one big way we can all thrive together.”

Brittany Goss

Social Media Manager and Brand Developer, Starkville