A rose to Main Street associations and members in the Golden Triangle were celebrated Thursday before last by the Mississippi Main Street Association for their work over the past year. Main Street Columbus, Starkville Main Street Association and West Point Main Street were all recognized during the 2024 awards luncheon held in Jackson. In Columbus, Amber Brislin received the Paul Coggin Trailblazer Award, an award given to an outstanding local board member or volunteer who has been active in a downtown organization for a significant period of time, In Starkville, director Paige Watson received the Outstanding Creative Fundraising award. Alden Thornhill received the award for Outstanding Creative Large Event, over 5,000 (Starkville Derby) and Leah Kemp received the Outstanding Public Arts Project award (Cowbells and Paint Pails). West Point Main Street took home two awards: Outstanding New Small Event Award, under 5,000, for the Cottrell Street Music and Heritage Festival and Scott Ross, Outstanding Historic Rehabilitation Project. Our Main Street associations continue to raise the profile of our downtowns and enhance economic development in our communities.
A rose to Caledonia High School for claiming the state all-sports award in Class 4A for the 2023-24 athletic season. The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi All-Sports awards were announced this week. The award is given for each classification to schools that perform at a high level in all sports offered by the Mississippi High School Activities Association. Caledonia finished atop the 4A standings with 205 points, narrowly beating out West Lauderdale, to bring home the school’s first All-Sports award. Several Cavaliers teams made playoff runs, and the school won state titles in boys and girls track and field to help boost their overall score. Caledonia scored in 14 of the 22 sports measured in the competition, reaching at least the quarterfinals in the state tournaments for volleyball, football and softball, finishing third in girls powerlifting and runner-up in girls cross country. The all-sports award is especially meaningful because it is an indicator of a well-rounded athletics department that provides excellent opportunities for boys and girls in all sports. We congratulate the Cavaliers on this outstanding performance.
A rose to Starkville Strong for coming up with a new and fun fundraising event to support the work of the nonprofit organization. The group announced it will host “Dancing Through the Decades: A Grown-Up Prom for Adults,” set to take place on August 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Gathering in Starkville. This unique event promises to be a night filled with nostalgia, fun, and community spirit, all in support of crucial local initiatives. Attendees will enjoy a journey through musical eras, with themed photo booths, and contests for prom king and queen, as well as best-dressed awards. This event offers a perfect opportunity to relive prom night memories or experience them for the first time while supporting Starkville Strong’s mission. The funds generated by the Prom will support the organizations feeding, housing and community advocacy programs. In addition to individual tickets, there are opportunities for corporate sponsorships. Visit the Starkville Strong Facebook page for more information.
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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