A rose to our school districts in Lowndes and Oktibbeha County for their 2022-23 accountability scores released Thursday by the Mississippi Department of education. All three districts maintained their scores from last year: Lowndes County remains an A, Starkville/Oktibbeha, a B, and Columbus a C. Individual schools in all three districts improved their scores, including New Hope High School (B to an A), Sale Elementary (D to a B), Franklin Academy (D to a B), Fairview Elementary (D to a C), Sudduth Elementary (C to a B) and Henderson Ward Stewart (C to a B). These accountability scores are a reflection of a successful collaboration among administrators, faculty, staff, students and parents. When these groups work together, the result is student achievement. We commend our districts and schools for their hard work.
A rose to a group of Columbus residents who have joined forces to preserve the history of Burns Bottom. As part of its redevelopment plans, the city of Columbus purchased the lots that were once a close-knit neighborhood that had fallen into blight conditions. While the redevelopment will enhance the area, it also threatens to erase the history of the neighborhood. To preserve that history, LaNise Frison, Katrina Little, Lucretia Jackson and Robena Moody are organizing the first Burns Bottom Reunion, which will be held today from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Munson and Brothers Trading Post. On Oct. 6-7, the Columbus Arts Council will merge its Burns Bottom Arts Festival with the Munson and Brothers’ Oktoberfest. Although Burns Bottom is not officially an historic area, the memories of former residents are worth preserving. These two events make sure that while we look forward to a new, exciting future for Burns Bottom, its past is not forgotten.
A rose to Mississippi University for Women’s Athletics, which has wasted no time in establishing itself in NCAA Division III sports. MUW was awarded NCAA status in June. Now, in the first semester of NCAA competition, the Owls have earned their first team wins. MUW’s men’s and women’s golf teams won their matches at The Lyon College Invitational in Arkansas. The MUW men claimed a three-shot victory over runner-up Williams Baptist in the nine-team field while the MUW woman romped to a 14-shot victory over runner-up Central Baptist in a four-team field. For both programs, this week’s wins have been years in the making as the teams prepared to step up to NCAA Division III competition. We congratulate the coaches and players for this milestone achievement.
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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