A rose to Mississippi State University’s agricultural research programs and its greatest supporter, university president Mark Keenum, for their contributions to the United Nations World Food Programme, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize Friday for the organization’s efforts to promote food security throughout the world. MSU has been a long-time partner with the organization through its research efforts. When most of us think of colleges and universities, our thoughts are confined to their core mission – educating our young people. But research universities such as Mississippi State play an important role beyond that. Its research solves problems and provides solutions that can have positive impacts throughout the world. No doubt, the Nobel Peace Prize honors the United Nations World Programme for its contributions. Mississippi State can be proud of its role in the program. It is, indeed, a proud moment for Mississippi State.
A thorn to Lowndes County School District attorney Jeff Smith, who alone among the 20 people who attended Friday’s school board meeting, did not wear a face mask. A sign posted outside the district offices where the board meetings are held says face masks are required. Asked where his mask was, Smith said, “In my pocket.” Apparently, Smith is exploiting what he perceives to be a loophole in the requirement. The sign says masks are required but not that face masks must be worn. Nineteen of 20 people understood the intent of the rule on Friday. “It’s in my pocket” would not be an acceptable response for a kindergartner in the school district, let alone the school district’s attorney. The district office needs a new sign or, perhaps, a new board attorney, one who respects his employer’s policies.
A rose to Caledonia Elementary School Principal Roger Hill, who was honored during Friday’s Lowndes County school board meeting as the Mississippi Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) Administrator of the Year. Hill was lauded by the MACTE for his 44 years in the LCSD, helping shape the lives of thousands of children and working closely with teacher-education programs to enhance the learning experience. On a personal note, board member Brian Clark, addressed Hill. “I was one of your students,” Clark said. “I’d like to thank you for those paddlings you gave me back then.” We, too, applaud Hill for more than four decades of service at a school whose academic success is second to none in the Golden Triangle.
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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