As we continue to celebrate our country’s independence this Fourth of July week, let us remember some of the good things that happened in our community this week:

• Lake St. John celebrated the 25th anniversary of the annual flotilla. Lake residents gathered to celebrate the holiday with a parade of boats, a blessing from St. Patrick Catholic Church priest John Perdue and an evening fireworks display. Congratulations to those who have seen this tradition grow each year.
• Local youth from Jefferson Street United Methodist Church took a week off from their summer vacation to help others. Each year the youth celebrate mission week by helping local homeowners in need and by raising money by selling barbecue chicken dinners. This year the youth helped repair a man’s bathroom and other parts of his house.
• Franklin County High School’s Isaiah Elam built up his resume by showing off his construction skills at the SkillsUSA competition in Louisville, Ky. Elam placed 12th out of 46 competitors and received a $5,000 scholarship for proficiency in construction and engineering. Elam said he looks forward to honing his skills when he attends Mississippi State University. Congratulations to Elam for his accomplishments.
• When Cristina Preston of Phoenix went into labor on a plane headed to Dallas, nurse Rhondula Green went into action. A graduate of Alcorn State University and a Natchez native, Green helped deliver Preston’s baby as the plane made an emergency landing in New Orleans. Green’s actions were videoed and broadcast around the world on television and social media.  Thanks to Green’s quick and calm actions mother and baby made it safely to the ground.

Let us remember to thank those who continue to make our community great.