A rose to all the mothers out there on this, your special day. Like snowflakes, every mom is an individual work of art, yet there are traits that all moms share. Among them are self-sacrifice, devotion, patience, kindness and empathy. On behalf of all sons and daughters, we salute the remarkable people who belong to the most wonderful of titles: Mother.
A rose to all those who participated in Saturday’s National Letter Carriers Association “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive. Each year, thousand of pounds of non-perishable food items are left at mailboxes to be picked up by letter carriers and distributed to local charities who provide food for the needy. In both Columbus and Starkville, the response continues to be strong. We salute all those who donated and thank the letter carriers for taking the extra time and effort to meet the needs of our less fortunate neighbors.
A rose to Frances McDavid, who retired last month after 30 years as a journalism professor and student publications advisor at Mississippi State University. A veteran journalist who worked at The Dispatch, Starkville Daily News and the Daily Herald in Columbia, Tennessee, McDavid’s experience in the working world of journalism helped her prepare her students for the profession since joining the MSU Communications Department in 1988. Over the years, McDavid was known as a demanding, but fair and supportive mentor for thousands of students and her interest in her students continued long after they graduated. Those who had the benefit of her experience, insight and down-to-earth teaching remain her devoted fans.
A rose to the Field of Dreams at Propst Park in Columbus, which opened May 5 and is the culmination of a dream that began more than a decade ago. The Field of Dreams is a handicap-accessible sports facility that will open up opportunities to play sports for disabled citizens who have, for far too long, been denied the opportunity for the lack of a facility. Golden Triangle Outdoors will operate a league for these citizens. The field was funded by Lowndes County, the city of Columbus and private donations and grants. Sports promote health, social skills and self-esteem. For the disabled, these are especially important qualities. It is, quite literally, a dream come true.
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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