A rose to the five Columbus High students who have volunteered to mentor elementary school students through the Columbus Municipal School District’s PALS (partners in active learning and support) program. Each Monday through Thursday, the high school students – all of whom have met their requirements for graduation as dual enrollment students – spend their afternoon working with the elementary school children. We predict the program, which started Monday, will be a huge success. While kids may tune out adults, they always seem to look up to older “kids.” The CHS students are not only providing mentoring, they also serve as excellent role models. We salute these students for their own hard work and for their generosity in helping these younger students.
A thorn to the city of Columbus for its premature decision to ban the sale of Kratom in the city limits during Tuesday’s council meeting after a crime/drug task force urged the councilmen to help get the substance out of area stores. To be clear, we are not suggesting that such an ordinance is misguided, but we do believe there are two sides of this story. While the group that advocated for the ordinance Tuesday believe Kratom is addictive, scores of others say it is a legitimate source of relief for those who suffer chronic pain. Monday, the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors heard from the same group, but delayed their decision until a public hearing could be held. It would have been prudent for the city council to have followed that same course of action. At the end of the day, the council may have continued with the ordinance – and may have been justified in doing so – but a public hearing would have provided them the range of information needed to make a well-informed decision.
A rose to Mississippi University of Women’s annual II+C Symposium. The symposium, held Thursday and Friday, highlighted the pioneering work done in applying modern technology to home healthcare. In other words, is there an App for that? In many cases, researchers are discovering the answer may be “yes” and this year’s symposium, titled “Wearable Technologies, Apps and Beyond,” provided insight into that research. Now in its third year, the II+C Symposium continues to inform its audience on relevant, emerging advances in the science of healthcare. We congratulate The W on another excellent program.
A rose to all the football players from the Golden Triangle who will continue their playing career at community colleges and four-year schools. Wednesday was “signing day” and students from our area high schools – 14 alone from Starkville High – had their shares of signees. For many, it’s a step to stardom – perhaps even the NFL. For all, it’s a wonderful opportunity to continue their academic careers which, in the long run will be something that benefits them throughout their lives. We look forward to seeing our “hometown” kids playing at the next level and wish them great success on the field and in the classroom. So play hard, study hard. Make us proud.
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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