A rose in celebration of Father’s Day this weekend. Baseball legend Yogi Berra, famous for his many fumbled phrases, once said in an acceptance speech, “I’d like to thank all the people who made this necessary.” That’s how we feel about Father’s Day. There is no denying that there are too many fatherless homes, so it’s the steady, consistent guidance, care and understated love of those dads who are there for their children who make this an appropriate celebration. It can also be a time to remember and honor fathers who are no longer with us, a chance to cherish the memories and lessons they taught us. It is also an opportunity to see fatherhood in a broader context, recognizing that fatherhood comes in many forms, whether it is stepfathers, adoptive fathers or other male figures who have played a significant role in a child’s life. So, to borrow a line from Yogi, we say: Thanks, dads, for making this holiday necessary.
A rose to Hagan Walker and Meryl Fisackerly, who have been recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal in its “Top 40 Under 40” list. Walker, a Columbus native and Starkville resident, is the founder and owner of Glo, which produces a variety of water-activated light-up sensory toys for children’s baths. In addition to leading the growth of Glo, this week he appeared before Congress on behalf of toy makers whose production is compromised by the current tariffs on key components not produced in the U.S. He has emerged as an inspiration and example for young entrepreneurs in the Golden Triangle. Fisackerly is the COO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK, whom LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins calls “a generational talent.” In her current role, Fisackerly’s scope of work includes oversight of the organizational day to day operations, industrial recruitment and retention, and private-sector fund raising. Meryl also serves as the administrator of the Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority where she handles all day-to-day operations. It is the second time Fisackerly has been recognized as a rising star in her profession. In 2023, she was selected as a “40 Under 40 Award” winner by New York-based Development Counselors International.
A rose to Josie Shumake, whose service as a board member for the Columbus Municipal School District will come to a premature end because of a state law that requires her board position to be elected rather than appointed. The election will be held in November and since Shumake doesn’t meet the residency requirements to run, her second term will end two months early when the elected board member takes over on Jan. 1. During her time on the board, Shumake proved to be a wise and thoughtful board member, whose humble nature and quiet demeanor often diffused heated exchanges among board members. Shumake retired to her hometown in Columbus after a career with the U.S. Diplomatic Corps in 2009 and immediately immersed herself in community service. She is a Friend of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library and serves on a handful of other organizations, including the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Services, the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits, the Lowndes County Foundation, and the Columbus Municipal Election Committee. Although her time on the CMSD will be cut short, we are certain Shumake’s contributions to the community will continue. She has become a shining example of community service.
A rose to Mississippi State’s Summer Scholars on Stage theater camp, which began this week, marking the 44th year for the program that provides campers from seventh to 12th grade a whirlwind experience in writing, producing, staging and performing an original musical. The campers have only three weeks from start to finish, with the show taking the stage at 7 p.m. June 27 and at 1 p.m. June 28 in McComas Hall on the MSU campus. Students from all over the South audition to participate in the camp focusing on a variety of roles within Summer Scholars on Stage. Students who are going through the writing, songwriting or technical tracks already arrived earlier this week, while others will arrive this Saturday to join the production camp. Campers started out with more than 150 ideas regarding the show’s characters, plot, setting and themes before settling on a storyline. Students not only learn and enhance their skills in the various roles needed to create a production, but they develop soft skills, too, because the compressed timeframe places a heavy emphasis on collaboration and problem-solving.
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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You can help your community
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 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
