A rose to West Point native Cicely Lewis and the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District, who in their own ways are promoting reading through emphasizing literature that reflects the issues and realities of the students. When students are exposed to characters and story lines they can relate to, it often inspires them to read and learn more. Lewis is achieving that through “Read Woke” a reading program she implemented as librarian at Meadowcreek High School near Atlanta. The program is now being implemented in schools and libraries in both the U.S. and abroad. The SOCSD, meanwhile, will bring in Manny Scott, one of the original “Freedom Writers,” as a student at Wilson High School in Los Angeles, as its convocation speaker on Aug. 1. Like the “Read Woke” program, the “Freedom Writers” were encouraged to write journals on their real-life experiences, where they detailed the challenges they faced — everything from drugs to violence to teen pregnancy. Thirty-years later, the “Freedom Writers” were the subject of a popular movie. In both cases, the emphasis is instilling a love of words, by engaging students in meaningful, topical subjects.
A rose to Columbus police and firefighters, who have been a bit more judicious in their use of sirens recently. It used to be that every call, it seemed, resulted in sirens blasting as units responded, no matter the nature of the call. Obviously, the use of sirens has its place. When serious incidents occur, the sirens alert citizens to clear their paths when even seconds are vital in responding to the scene. But over time, the sirens seemed to be used to the point where it threatened to create two reactions in the community, neither of them helpful. First, the constant sirens threatened to create a “cry wolf” scenario. So often did we hear them that the urgency some people attached to them may have diminished. On the opposite end of the spectrum, they helped create, in the eyes of some, a narrative of constant danger. In showing some reasonable restraint, our police and firefighters are sending a more accurate message. We appreciate that.
A rose to curiosity, specifically, the curiosity of Jody Kennedy, The W’s director of facilities. For decade or so, the clock tower bell at Callaway Hall, didn’t chime. No one really knew why and, over time, it appeared to have been forgotten. That changed in March, when Kennedy’s curiosity was aroused. After fiddling with the clock for a few minutes, lo and behold, the old clock began to chime as it had when it was first installed almost 125 years ago and became a familiar sound to students throughout the day. The old clock tower bell is a pretty good metaphor for The W, which embraces both proud history and modern mission. We like the sound of that.
A rose to Helping Hands of Columbus and its partner, United Way of Lowndes County, as we approach August and “Indian Summer,” the hottest time of the year. As it does each summer, Helping Hands has provided dozens of electric fans to citizens who found themselves without proper cooling. Donations made to Helping Hands, either dropping off new fans or money used to purchase fans, will help Helping Hand provide around 200 fans to people identified by the United Way. A few degrees in temperature can make a very big difference for these folks, whose comfort and even health can be jeopardized by the relentless heat of our summer. It’s a cool program, literally.
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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