While many school-age children may not like it, back-to-school time looms large with most area schools starting fall semester next week.

That’s certainly good news to parents who have kept the children entertained through the summer months and to teachers and administrators who are ready to get back to the important work of educating the children.

Back to school is just one of many good news stories from the past week.

Below are a few more of the past week’s good news items.

* LaBrelah Hutchins of Natchez dreams of becoming the first African-American female to compete in the National Finals Rodeo, and she not only dreams of that goal, but she also practices very hard to achieve it. Filmmakers recently captured her on her quest with a short documentary titled “Cowgirl Up” that has been viewed more than 136,000 times as part of the PBS Online Film Festival. Best of luck, LaBrelah!

* The incoming class of first-graders in the Natchez-Adams School District performed better than the state average on kindergarten testing last spring. Their test results took NASD from 19 points behind the state average to 20 points ahead of the state average. Not only is that a reflection of a bright kindergarten class, it also is a testament to the hard work of students, parents, educators and administrators in the district. Great work, all! Keep it up.

* United Parcel Service driver James Campbell of Natchez delivers a lot of good will along with the packages he takes to customers on his route, and one of his customers recently posted a picture and some kind comments about him on social media to let people know of his good will. That post spread even more good will to a broader audience. If only more people brought such a positive attitude to their work, the world would be a better place.