A rose to all those involved in the fight against breast cancer, which afflicts one in eight women in the United States. This month is National Breast Cancer Awareness Day, designed to bring attention to the disease to promote early diagnosis and share information on treatment. Breast cancer is a real presence in our lives: Almost all of us have had family members, friends or co-workers who have battled breast cancer. As we have for several years, each Friday during October The Dispatch shares the stories of local people who have either suffered from breast cancer or are directly involved in breast cancer care. These inspirational stories call attention to the disease, provide valuable information on the importance of early detection and promote support for the funding necessary at every level — from diagnosis to treatment to aftercare.

A rose to Mississippi State University for its cross-collaboration initiative “Farm to Classroom,” which is designed to train teachers and student-teachers in the Starkville area to integrate agriculture into their lesson plans. Using the combined expertise of the university’s College of Education and its College of Agriculture, the curriculum will equip K-12 teachers to advance what it calls “agricultural literacy” so our young people can understand the important role of agriculture in many areas of daily life, including our economy. In Mississippi, nearly 30 percent of the population is employed by agriculture in some way. It is the biggest economic industry in the state, both in terms of employment and the products we rely on every day. The earlier children can begin to learn about where their food and clothing come from, the more likely they are to appreciate the importance of agriculture.

A rose to all those who have registered to vote as we approach the voter registration deadline. The Nov. 3 election has great implications on both the national and state level. In addition to the Presidential election, Mississippi voters will select a U.S. Senator. A new state flag and medical marijuana are also on the ballot. Circuit clerks in the Golden Triangle are reporting a steady increase in voter registrations in the lead-up to the election. The deadline to register to vote in that election is Monday at 5 p.m. Voter registration drives continue throughout the area. You can also register at the circuit clerk’s office. We urge all citizens eligible to vote to take the few minutes it requires to make sure you have the ability to make your voice heard at the polls on Nov. 3.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.