A rose of remembrance this Memorial Day weekend, not only to those who fought and died to preserve or freedoms, but to those still among us who suffered the loss of a spouse, parent, child or relative to so virtuous a cause. May the burden of their losses be eased by our appreciation and our sympathy.
A rose or remembrance for Cary Shepherd, a long-time teacher and coach at New Hope High School. Shepherd who died this week at age 71, was as much loved as she was successful – and she was very successful. As the New Hope slow-pitch softball coach since 1982, Shepherd compiled record of 861 wins and 263 losses. Her teams claimed nine state championships, three state runner-up finishes, 13 North State titles, 19 division titles and 18 playoff appearances. For her players and students, Shepherd was a loving, supportive mentor who demanded hard work and dedication. Her influence has spread to classrooms and softball diamonds across the region.
“Everybody wanted to grow up and play for Coach Shepherd,” former player Tabitha Beard said. “The softball program was world class, and she made it that way.”
A rose to New Hope High School senior Elizabeth Phillips who was presented with an engraved bronze medallion to recognize her selection as a Distinguished Finalist for Mississippi in the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Phillips has volunteered for two years in a row at the “Joy Prom,” a special dance event sponsored by her church — and produced by numerous volunteers — for teens with disabilities who may otherwise not be able to attend their school-sponsored proms. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), represents the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service.
A rose to officials with Steel Dynamics, Inc., which announced a $100 million expansion of its facilities at the Lowndes County Industrial Park. The Indiana-based company purchased the steel plant from Severstal just eight months ago. The expansion not only increases the tax revenues for the county and its schools, it also adds 40 high-paying jobs. Maybe of even greater importance, the expansion is an indicator of the company’s long-term commitment to our community.
A rose of good luck to all graduating high school seniors. As today’s front page story by Andrew Hazzard illustrates, high school graduates can take varied paths.
So…
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,
You’re off the Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!
– Dr. Seuss
Send your Roses & Thorns submissions to Slim Smith at [email protected]
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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