A rose to Black History Month as schools across the country focus on history and contributions of Black Americans throughout the month of February. Black History Month is a chance for all of us to dig a little deeper, understand a little more and grow in our appreciation of what Black Americans have done for our nation. All of us, Black or white, can benefit because all of us still have a limited knowledge of Black History. One example: Have you heard of Elijah McCoy (1844-1929)? He was a member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame who held over 50 patents, producing useful inventions so reliable that all of us today pay homage to him when we compliment something as “The Real McCoy.” How many Elijah McCoys are out there, just waiting for us to discover? That’s what Black History Month is all about. Learn and enjoy!
A rose to Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District for its efforts to increase participation in its programs during the spring term intersession, which runs from March 20-24. This year, the district adopted a modified school calendar that reduces the length of the summer breaks and creates two mid-term breaks called intersessions. During the intersessions the district holds classes for those who have fallen behind, along with classes for students who want to enrich their learning or learn about subjects outside the curriculum. In the fall intersession, about 600 students participated in these programs. About 65 percent of students whom the districts invited to participate in the classes to help them get up to speed participated. The district, under the direction of intersession coordinator Lexi Taylor, is hoping for a better turnout in March, encouraging local businesses to donate items that could be used as incentives to attract more participants. Taylor has started sending letters to parents, providing information on the upcoming intersession programs. We encourage parents to take advantage of these opportunities.
A rose to Heritage Academy senior Sid Stegall, who was announced Monday as Mississippi’s Gatorade Cross-Country player of the year. For Stegall, who will continue his cross-country career at Mississippi College next fall, the honor was the latest and most prestigious of a cross-country resume that includes seven state titles between cross-country and track. His achievements are more notable because he often had to overcome injuries during his high school years. In October, Stegall overcame yet another injury to capture the MAIS Class 5A cross-country championship with a time of 16:17.5. Cross-country participation in Mississippi lags behind some other neighboring states. In fact, Stegall is the only member of Heritage’s cross-country program. He hopes winning the Gatorade award will bring more attention and participation to the sport he has pursued since eighth grade. Congratulations, Sid, on this great accomplishment.
A rose to Annunciation Catholic School’s S.T.R.E.A.M. Expo, which last week exposed students to ways Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art and Mathematics can be applied to the real world. When a student understands why information is important, they are more likely to retain it. “It’s important for (students) to see the implications of their education in real-world settings,” said S.T.R.E.A.M. programs coordinator Nichole Cancellare said.
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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