A rose to all who, having reflected on their blessings this Thanksgiving, will turn that gratitude into service. The Thanksgiving story of the Pilgrims, when considered in another vein, reminds us of an important lesson, one that has been neglected. We are most familiar with the Pilgrims’ part of the story and how they celebrated a day of thanksgiving with the Wampanoag Indians who had helped them survive those first tenuous months in America. But within a generation, the Wampanoags who shared that “first Thanksgiving’ were either dispersed, dead or sold into slavery. Whatever spirit of gratitude that prevailed on that first Thanksgiving was not sustained, at least not where the Wampanoags were concerned. So let’s make sure that the stirring in our hearts on Thanksgiving Day produces fruits of compassion, charity and service to others. By participating in organized drives or private efforts to help those in need this Christmas, we can elevate Thanksgiving. That will be the greatest evidence of just how sincere our thanksgiving has been.
A rose to the West Point Green Wave football team, which defeated Neshoba Central, 20-14, Friday to secure yet another berth in the state championship game. With the win in the Class 4-A semifinal, West Point will seek to claim its state-record 12th state title and fifth in six years. The Wave currently shares the record with 11 state titles. West Point will take on Picayune on Dec. 4 in Hattiesburg. We also offer a rose to the other Golden Triangle teams which fell just short of the ultimate prize. Starkville, Caledonia and West Lowndes all fell in the semifinals on Friday. Those losses, though painful, should not detract from outstanding seasons. This is especially true for Caledonia, which had never won a playoff game before this season, but reeled off three straight wins in the playoffs before falling just short Friday. So, Go Wave and congratulations to all of our playoff teams.
A rose to Mary Switzer, who takes over as the new executive director of Starkville Area Arts Council on Wednesday. Although new to the role, the Starkville native and Mississippi State graduate has been a familiar presence in the SAAC, having been a part of the organization for six years, a tenure that includes serving on the organization’s board of directors. Switzer’s familiarity with the SAAC will ensure a seamless transition and infuse new energy into the Starkville arts scene. We are eager to learn what she has in store for the SAAC in her expanded role in the organization.
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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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 38 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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