A rose to Mississippi University for Women for using its social media platforms to make a powerful argument for importance and success. The simple series of graphics tout the university’s impressive record. They tout the school’s success in teacher graduates who stay in the state as educators (86%), its 70% rate in graduates who stay in Mississippi after graduation, its $213 million in economic impact and its success in attracting home-grown students (86% are native-Mississippians). Telling the W story in these terms is simple and effective. Many perceive The W as being on the ropes after a failed name change and a multi-front assault by some lawmakers. The W has a lot to be proud of and plays an important role in Mississippi’s education offerings. The school is right to brag, and we hope it continues.

A rose to the New Hope High School robotics team, which is headed to the world championships after a year of successful regional tournaments, including two state championship titles the team won in February. New Hope was one of 24 programs to qualify for the state competition this year, where teams competed in a game designed to test their programming, driving and strategy skills. The two teams who won state titles will travel to Dallas on May 5 for the world championships. For nine of the 10 years the program has existed, New Hope has taken home a state title. At least one team has advanced to the world championships every year since 2019 despite being a strictly after-school program. We congratulate these students on the successes they have already achieved and wish them continued success in Dallas.

A rose to Main Street Columbus, which announced Wednesday that it was selected for the national Main Street organization’s $12,500 Science Discovery grant, which it will use to research science assets of the city that it can highlight with programs and events – including the city’s ongoing fossil park project along the Luxapalila Creek in East Columbus at Propst Park. While the grant is small, it could well be a catalyst for helping the city attract grant funding for the fossil park, which until now has been a hidden jewel. Luxapalila Creek was covered by an estuary more than 80 million years ago, resulting in a deposit full of fossils from different types of environments in the creek’s bank. Fossils found at the creek have included everything from shark teeth to shells, crabs, reptile bones and plant remains. Bones of two previously unknown types of dinosaurs were found at the site in 2022. In pursuing this grant, Main Street Columbus reminds us that while its attention is mostly focused on downtown, it also promotes many things that other parts of the city have to offer. We are excited about where these first modest steps will lead.

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