As the temperature on the thermometer slowly creeps into the 90s and residents search for ways to beat summer’s heat, let’s take a look back at some of the highlights from last week:

-Hard work and imagination paid off for a group of students in the Natchez-Adams School District. For the second year in a row, students from Fallin Technology Center placed first in a state-wide technology competition. Student sponsor Laveria Green calls the group of students her “dream team” and has high hopes for them when they compete against 49 states and seven countries in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math competition in Nashville. Congratulations to these students who are shining examples of the excellence in education that Natchez can produce.

-Ninety empty pots were filled with the spirit of community awareness Friday as a group of gardeners put together hanging baskets to be hung downtown for locals and tourists to enjoy. Spearheaded by Natchez resident Marcia McCullough, the Garden Lovers of Natchez have been collecting donations to buy and install the baskets. Friday morning, the group of gardeners filled the 90 pots with bright, red flowers. In the coming days, the pots will be displayed throughout downtown. Thanks to those who are helping to make Natchez a more beautiful place in which to work, shop and live.

-Dylan Troxler knows what being a friend is all about. The Natchez teenager organized a cookie and lemonade stand to raise money for his lifelong friend Austin Dungan, who lives with a congenital heart disease that requires surgery in Boston this summer. Proceeds from Troxler’s lemonade and cookie stand, along with money Troxler’s sister is raising through sales of drink koozies, will help pay for Dungan’s expenses. In a world that tends to focus on selfishness and self-congratulations, thanks to Troxler for showing us what true friendship really means.

As we enter another busy week, lets remember to give thanks to all who make our community great.