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Special to Wesson News The Wesson Chamber of Commerce will host its first-ever Wesson Kids Got Talent competition in conjunction with Founder’s Day. Founders Day is May 2, and the talent competition will be on Friday evening, May 1, at the Community Fountain Garden in downtown Wesson beside Milltown Salon and Spa. Teri Bath, the Wesson Chamber President, says “Wesson is an amazing community with many hidden talents, and I wanted an opportunity to recognize this talent in a very public venue.” Thus “Wesson Kids Got Talent” was born, stirring much excitement in the area. Any child from ages 4 to 18 with a special talent – dance, singing, a musical instrument, visual arts, magic and more -- can participate. Alderman Stanley Martin, owner of Super Sounds DJ & Karaoke and one of the judges, adds “it’s not just a show,” explaining that big talent often comes from small towns. “This is a chance for our community to come together, support our youth and celebrate the bright future growing right here at home.” From the many Mississippians that have recently been selected for hit TV shows such as American Idol and The Voice, “it’s exciting to think about the talent we have here in Wesson, and who could be discovered next, says Jessica Breazeale, Chamber member and a local business owner. Breazeale was thinking of last year’s American Idol winner, Jamal Roberts of Meridian. “He was my favorite all season,” she affirms. “I’m over the moon that he won. I’m beyond proud he’s from our hospitality state.” While Wesson might not have the same cash prize as American Idol, the town has confidence that it has tons of talent -- and plans to highlight it. To enter, there is a $5 application fee per person. Participants may enter individually or as a group. All proceeds collected by the Wesson Chamber of Commerce will go towards prize money. In addition, all participants will have access to the Wesson Library, where they can prepare, change and touch up before their performances. To secure a spot, apply as soon as possible. Refunds will not be issued after April 14. For more information, the community can stay up to date by visiting the Wesson Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Applications can be picked up or turned in at the Wesson Public Library. The show will begin at 5 p.m., and the entire community is invited to enjoy this exciting first annual talent showcase.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com We humans have personality traits, that is readily apparent. And because we all have our own individual and highly weird traits, each of us also have singularly different desires. Desires for things in our life that are driven by our God-given quirks. The athlete, bookworm, the flour-on-my-hands addicted, the outdoorsman, or maybe the dancer. We all seem to come equipped with an in-born love of something. Scripture says to rear a child according to who they are individually. So if you are given the responsibility of getting a child ready for adulthood, that years-long and difficult job of training, loving, and disciplining - you better know your little one well. Granted, every child has the same basic needs for getting ready to become elementary school age, then a teen, then a young adult – needs that involve love, security, education, and discipline. But face it – each kid is really different. Some are just instinctively more independent, with bossy tendencies that could probably make them a leader, if trained correctly. Others are naturally more compliant and ready to follow a leader. Think back to your experiences around little ones. Anyone who has been around a group of toddlers have witnessed that there are some who are simply more belligerent and self-centered than others. Then there are those who are much sweeter and quieter by nature, and less self-oriented. The assertive child can easily rip a toy from their tiny hands with not too much pushback. Can you ignore those apparent differences in personality, and just treat them all the same? And then expect Sweet Submissive Sally to enter into school life, ready to defend herself against the resident Larry The Leader? Of course not. Early in life, Larry and Sally need to be taught tailored  social skill lessons.  If you want your child to be mentally, emotionally, and socially ready to take their place in the world, then a smart parent will take that into consideration. But many adults do what is tempting and seems so normal; they copy what they experienced as children. “I didn’t turn out to be an ax murderer or nuthin’. So if it was good ‘nuff for mom and dad, I guess it’s good ‘nuff for me.” Or, if they believe their parent did a lousy job at raising them, they will turn to popular parenting advice books.  Good or bad. And there is a lot of bad they can choose. Then there are the parents who remember that when they were growing up with siblings, Mom and Dad had favorites. So they attempt to treat all their own kids exactly alike. Not recognizing the need for meeting differences in personality. I beg you, get to know your kids intimately.  Some need extra cuddling and facetime. Others need you to cultivate that spark of creativity and imagination they were given at birth. Some need extra attention given to that tendency of theirs to be a bully, so that it can be later channeled into natural leadership. Don’t just copy, or react, or ignore. Do your job well.

By: Kim Whittington and Jessica Breazeale Yes, it’s that time of the year!  You may think I’m talking about NBA playoffs, the Masters Golf Tournament, MLB, or any of those letters that require some sort of ball.  But I’m talking about everyone’s favorite pastime…T-Ball! Who doesn’t love T-Ball? You might as well admit to not loving America or apple pie, too. T-Ball is the highlight of baseball season! Before, after, and often during the games that you are at the field required to watch, you will sneak over to the main attraction, which is the tiniest future players.  They are all there in their brand-new sliding pants, along with their new team jersey and hat.  Each has a brand-spanking-new glove and an overpriced bat that will only last one season before it needs to be replaced. The new cleats are also expensive and will only last one season, too.  But the cost is of no concern because every one of them is a future MLB player, some headed to the Dodgers, some to the Mets.  Yes, all have plans for the big league, but only after their illustrious college career.  But the fans in the stands cheering the T- Ballers on see them today as the superstars they are…and will be soon. Some are outfielders - but wait - are they picking flowers?    And the first baseman is guarding the base, yes, he is actually sitting on top of it.  The second baseman and the shortstop are throwing dirt at each other. The third baseman is crying! “There’s no crying in baseball!” The outfielders are spotted doing cartwheels. Batter up! This one looks like a slugger, and he smacks the ball and runs like the wind to third base while the entire infield and outfield attack the baseball.    Triumphant, one player emerges with the ball, looks to first, but no batter!  Then he sees him, and everyone is yelling, “Run to first!” and then he tags the runner on the pitcher's mound.  Success, batter out!   Dirt stains on the pants. Emotions that can’t be contained. Ice cream in hand. Memories I never want to forget! At the time, it was so hard. Now, I long for those days.   Man, I’m glad it’s t-ball season! I can live it all over again through other kids and their parents…without the stress and now with just the fun!   What is the bigger picture? In the words of Gavin Rossdale, lead singer of 90’s grunge band Bush, who finally made his way to Mississippi and performed at the Brandon Amphitheatre last weekend: “Don’t let the days go by…could’ve been easier on you. (Yes, I realize this song is NOT about t-ball!) Don’t let these precious t-ball days go by without lots of pictures and videos. Don’t take it too seriously. They need to love baseball, not hate it. They want to be big boys and girls but are very much still babies. Treat them as such! You’ll look back and sing, “I couldn’t change, though I wanted to…” Okay, I’ll stop singing Glycerine now. Downloadable version

By Bob Arnold   A healthy part of a dream Educational Performing Arts and Athletic Center that was a vision of former Co-Lin President Dr. Jane Hulon Sims for the Wesson campus of the college she managed seems to be on track under a Federal grant.   Co-Lin has been awarded $16,294,746 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant program for construction of a new, large-scale safe room facility that will accommodate more than 2,000 occupants and include a gymnasium where the college’s basketball and volleyball teams will play.   When Dr. Dewayne Middleton succeeded Dr. Hulon Sims as president of Co-Lin, he suggested FEMA’s safe room program might be a route to realizing part of the vision Dr. Hulon uplifted in her ambitious proposal for a $30 Million complex including a 1,500-seat performing arts theatre and a 2,000-seat athletic arena with shared ticketing, concessions, and restrooms along with a shared lobby designed to host basketball games, other athletic events and arts shows.   FEMA safe rooms are hardened, reinforced structures (concrete, steel, or CMU) designed to provide near-absolute protection for emergency shelter against EF5 tornadoes and hurricane-force winds, while serving multiple daily or long-term uses in homes as walk-in closets, pantries or bathrooms or safe storage/panic rooms to secure firearms, documents or valuables or refuge during security threats or break-ins; and in public, school or community settings as gyms, classrooms or community centers.  They can also offer secure locations for communications equipment and critical systems of public agencies and be specifically designed with ADA-compliant doors for individuals with disabilities.   A safe room at Gallman, Mississippi, in Copiah County serves as a multi-purpose community center for meetings, functions and special events.   “We’ve been through enough severe storms in Mississippi to understand the value of safe rooms. I’m pleased with these FEMA hazard mitigation grants to create more safe spaces in our state,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that has jurisdiction over FEMA.   “The safety of our students, employees, and community is always a top priority for Co-Lin,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “This project will provide a secure shelter during severe weather while also creating a first-class facility for our student-athletes and campus community.   “We are especially grateful to U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith for her continued leadership and strong support of Co-Lin, the community college system, and the people of Mississippi. Her commitment to strengthening our institutions and investing in projects like this makes a meaningful difference for our students and communities.  We also extend our sincere appreciation to FEMA and our federal delegation for supporting a project that will serve our college and the surrounding community for generations. In addition, we greatly appreciate the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency for its assistance and support in helping make this important project a reality.”   The $16.3 million Co-Lin grant will cover construction of a 35,000-square-foot standalone, multipurpose safe room on the college’s Wesson campus.  It is phase II of a total $18 million grant that included $1.6 million for planning awarded in 2024 and a $175,000 administrative grant awarded with the current funds.

Special to Wesson News   Another grant will provide funds to put the finishing touches on a town historical museum next to Wesson municipal park.   The museum has been in development for more than a year at the former electric building that was later a venue for meetings and activities of local Boy Scouts.   A Home Depot grant jump-started initial work, including moisture-proofing the building, installation of climate control equipment, thorough cleaning, repairs to the doors and floor, and the purchase of a steel back door, seven windows and a mini-split air conditioner and dehumidifier.   Wesson public works personnel and citizen-resident and Home Depot volunteers have provided labor for installations of the HVAC equipment, windows, a ramp of disabled persons and necessary repairs and cosmetics, including the upgrading of plumbing and electrical systems.   The Town of Wesson has sealed the front and north doors of the building to maintain its character.   Wesson Librarian Marilyn Britt credits Home Depot’s Elisha Howard with identifying needed renovations in walk-through “that showed us what was required to turn the building into a museum.”   A permanent history museum that tells the story of Wesson has been a dream of locals since the town’s Sesquicentennial celebration in 2014 when a temporary museum whetted appetites for an ongoing one that honored life here.   As part of the Wesson Sesquicentennial celebration, Dixie Thornton encouraged locals to take the town’s history out of their closets, unpack boxes and donate historical items for public display in the temporary museum she created for the occasion.   In applying for initial Home Depot assistance to create a permanent museum, FOL members Britt, Dr. Steven Liverman and Sonya Cowen noted “the history for City of Wesson is stored in several areas that are not the best environment for safety” and that FOL seeks one location to allow for safety and continued preservation of the historical items.   From its opening in April, 2014, until July, more than 1000 persons, including children, groups from Wesson Attendance Center and out-of-towners who savored history, visited the temporary museum in which Thornton strived for “authenticity” in exhibits that featured clothing, artifacts and document from out of history rather than reproductions.  The exhibit highlights included:   Clothing made from the cotton and woolen fabrics produced at the textile mills which operated in Wesson from the 1860s into the 1890s and spurred development of the town Late 19th Century garments worn by Rilla Oliver Rae, daughter of Captain William Oliver -- one of the early mill owners Artifacts from the Wesson mills, including machine parts, keys to buildings, and corporate stamps A photo of Wesson mill employees in front of one of the factory buildings in which they worked Cotton bales -- raw material for the mill operations A 19th Century baby buggy School jackets that reflect the progression of Wesson schools and development of Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Co-Lin) A World War II military overcoat The bell from the old Wesson grammar school Pictures and memorabilia from the pre-NASCAR racing career of Wesson resident Ikey Jerome, including his driving suit   The temporary  museum occupied two buildings on Spring Street off Highway 51 across from City Hall, one loaned by its owner, Mayor Alton Shaw, as a private citizen, to the Wesson Chamber of Commerce that housed a series of partitioned exhibits organized to tell distinct stories about different aspects of the life of Wesson -- the mills era, evolution of Co-Lin, churches and religion, commerce, etc. -- through  artifacts, photos, and documents; and an adjacent structure owned by the Town of Wesson next to the public library that featured displays focusing on daily life of townspeople -- a late 19th Century kitchen and bedroom, a garden with a manual plow, home spinning wheel, quilts, the printing press that produced the Wesson Enterprise   weekly newspaper in the 1950s and 1960s, among others.   Since the temporary museum closed, Wesson Friends of the Library members and other citizens of the town have been searching for ways to bring a permanent one to Wesson.  In creating the temporary museum, Thornton worked with Wesson residents steeped in the town’s history -- Sonya Cowen, Carolyn Graham, and Mike Hux -- to identify authentic documents, photos, and artifacts and solicit them from donors and lenders.  Mark Hamilton, former minster of music at Calvary Baptist Church in Silver Creek, worked closely with Thornton, picking up contributions, transporting them to the museum site, and building the museum exhibits.  More than 30 persons contributed as donors and lenders.

Special to Wesson News   David Lewis, Elayjah Earles, Atheena Bloodgood, Nita Hardin and Dr. Robert Luckett. Elayjah Earles, a native of Greenville, MS, and a Senior at Brookhaven-based Mississippi School of the Arts, is the 2026 Mississippi Poetry Out Loud (POL) state champion, with Atheena Bloodgood, a Senior at Pascagoula High School, placing second, and Nita Hardin, a Junior representing Union County Heritage Museum, placing third. “Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) is proud to continue this National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) program in the state to offer students valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and connect them across the state and nation,” said David Lewis, Executive Director of MAC. “This year’s contestants were well prepared and performed exceptionally. Elayjah stood out, and we are pleased to recognize her as this year’s Mississippi Poetry Out Loud state champion.” Nine high school students from schools/organizations across the state participated in the Mississippi Poetry Out Loud state finals, held at Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) in Jackson. “I was captivated by the way poetry could evoke emotion in people,” said Earles when asked about why she wanted to participate in Poetry Out Loud. “When I perform my poems, I always aim to try and do that.” Earles received $200, and the Mississippi School of the Arts received a $500 stipend to purchase poetry materials. As the first runner-up, Athena Bloodgood received $100, with $200 for Pascagoula High School. Earles will advance to the national finals, scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, April 27 – 29, to compete for the National Champion title and the $20,000 grand prize. “I’ve never been to D.C.,”said Earles.  “I have so many relatives from D.C.  I’m really excited for the trip.” Earles recited  Let the Light Enter  by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, in the first round,  Aunt Sue’s Stories  by Langston Hughes in the second round, and her winning recitation was  Let No Charitable Hope  by Elinor Wylie. “My poem was Let the Light Enter by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper,” she said.  “I picked it because I was interested in this idea of Goethe, which was the person Frances Ellen Watkins was referring to. I was really interested in the idea of his asking for light on his deathbed. That really spoke to me because I always feared death, so his asking for something that isn’t going to swoop up and save you. It is a hmmm, what does he mean, what does he want out of life? That’s how it spoke to me.” Poetry Out Loud is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with state and jurisdictional arts agencies. The program is designed to help students improve public speaking skills, build confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. In recognition of America’s 250th Celebration, this year’s recitations were selected by the students from an anthology aimed at celebrating American history and culture. The Mississippi Poetry Out Loud state finals were hosted by Lewis and emceed by Dr. Robert Luckett, Director of the Margaret Walker Center and the Council of Federated Organizations Center at Jackson State University. The guest musicians this year were singer-songwriter Richelle Putnam and multi-instrumentalist Joey Ethridge.  MPB Television will broadcast the contest on Sunday, April 26, at 5 p.m. (CST). To register for the 2027 Mississippi Poetry Out Loud contest, visit  arts.ms.gov/pol . Registration is open to schools and community organizations working with students in grades nine through twelve. Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit arts.gov or follow NEA on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Don Godbold January 17, 1948 - April 16, 2026 78 Years of age A celebration of life will be held for Don Godbold at 1 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2026, at Friendship Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. Don Godbold, 78, of Brookhaven, MS, passed away on April 16, 2026, at his residence. He was born on January 17, 1948, at Kings Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven to the late S. M. Godbold, Sr. and Francis Kyzar Godbold. He was a member for over 40 years at Brookhaven Church of the Nazarene. He served on the church board for many years and as Sunday School Superintendent. After the church closure he became a member of Friendship Baptist Church. He was a 1966 graduate of McComb High School and graduated in March 1968 from Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. After graduation, Don wed Sue Allred and they had a long loving relationship. In 1978, after working eight years at Catchings Funeral Home, the family moved to Brookhaven. There he started work at Southern Wholesale Company while still working part time for several area funeral homes. In 1987, he began working for the next 16 years full time in funeral service at Brookhaven Funeral Home and he also served several terms as District Governor for Mississippi Funeral Directors Association. In 2003 his lifelong dream of becoming a funeral home owner came true when he became part-owner of Riverwood Family Funeral Service. He retired in 2014 but was still very active in serving families until his health issues started that prevented him from doing so. On December 20, 2025, he celebrated 60 years in the funeral service profession. He is preceded in death by his parents; his loving in laws, Alton and Edith Allred; brothers, Bob Godbold and Marvin Godbold; brothers in law, Steve Allred, Keith Allred, Bill Coggins, and K.C. Avery; and dearest friend of 50 plus years, Steve Rousseau. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sue Allred Godbold; son and loving daughter in law, Bradley and Jennifer Godbold; precious grandchildren, Molly Godbold and Luke Godbold; sister, Carol Avery; sisters in law, Jan Godbold, Dot Godbold, Clara Ann Coggins, Becky McDavid and husband, Mike, and Dale Allred; and a special cousin, Terry Lane Nations. He also leaves behind a number of nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

Special to Wesson News   Wesson Public Library (WPL) will lead the local celebration of National Library Week April 19-25.   The American Library Association (ALA) sponsors the annual week-long event to celebrate the essential role of libraries and library staff in transforming lives and strengthening communities.  Daily celebrations during the week include Right to Read Day, National Library Workers Day, and National Library Outreach Day.    The three-fold purpose of the nationwide celebrations thematically framed as “Find Your Joy” is to:   Promote library use. Highlight the diverse services libraries offer – technology, meeting spaces, programs. Encourage support for libraries, especially against censorship.   “In Wesson, over the years, we found events for kids to be an effective way to do all three,” says WPL Librarian Marilyn Britt.  “The events message community service, reach parents and others who care about children and engender support for our library.”   So in line with its tradition, Wesson Public Library will celebrate National Library Week by hosting 28 kids from the Wesson Baptist Church pre-school program on Monday, April 20, and 54 students from the Wesson Attendance Center first grade on Tuesday, April 21.  Retired veterinarian Bob Watson will speak both days, assisted by his golden retriever.  On Wednesday, April 22, which is Earth Day, WPL will host the third and fourth graders in Wesson Garden Club’s (WGC) Butterbeans program for kids with a focus on trees in connection with Arbor Day on Friday, April 24, and “Neighborhood Forest” and “Get Free Trees” activities.   On Thursday, April 23, the library will fete its librarians and the members of Wesson Friends of the Library to a private luncheon that honors their work in making WPL an important community service which brings people together, sparks imagination and supports lifelong learning..   ALA invites the wider community to participate in National Library Week by:   Visiting local libraries in person or virturally to take out books, use media resources, or attend programs. Thanking library staff  for their contributions as library professionals. Supporting libraries by   engaging them on social media. Advocating for local, state and federal funding for libraries.

By: Jessica Breazeale When you think of art, what comes to mind? Painting, Sculpture, Literature, Architecture, Music….   When thinking of the best art, I think of the Mona Lisa or anything by Leonardo Da Vinci. I am not credentialed to teach art by any means. I just really appreciate it.   What comes to mind when God thinks of his best  art?   Aristotle’s quote in his work called Poetics in 4th century BC (the earliest surviving work of Greek dramatic theory and the first to focus on the poetic art). He said, “The aims of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”     Aristotle was born way before Jesus (like 335 years before). He saw art this way…as something to marvel at, not by how beautiful or interesting it was on the outside, but by the significance inside. This is important because he came from a Greek background where they believed in many gods – and remember, before Jesus, people had a hard time connecting with God, understanding God, assigning meaning to their lives. So even before Jesus came to show us the way, Aristotle glimpsed what God feels… that art is not a pretty thing to look at, but the true masterpiece is what’s significant on the inside.   What is the point? Well, let’s look at some art, shall we I bet we learn something incredible! Alexamenos graffito This graffiti was discovered in Rome, Italy in 1857. It was scratched into the plaster on a wall (now removed), but dated between 50-250 AD. Take a look…   This may be the earliest surviving image of the crucifixion. It’s said to be a mocking depiction of the Christian act of worship. The inscription says “Alexamenos Grafitto”, which means “Alexamenos is worshipping his God.”   Notice the crucifixion - but the head is a donkey . This sarcastic graffiti shows Romans mocking Jesus. A common phrase among pagans was that Christians “worshipped a donkey”.  This graffiti, to many, is considered a work of art…certainly not because of it’s beautiful on the outside but rather because it holds a heavy, weighty inward significance of how people felt about the messiah - and the crucifixion. To me, it’s not pretty…not even close. But it’s a story that will be told throughout the ages…a true work of art. It tells a story that must continue to be shared.   Let’s look at one more work of art, the famous work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted between 1508 and 1512. “The Creation of Adam” illustrates creation from the Book of Genesis. Michelangelo’s work was influenced by his time period and trends, but he chose to depict this moment in such a unique  way.   Despite the scriptures' account of the creation of Adam, Michelangelo chose to tell the story of the beginning of life with a single touch by his creator. Let’s look closely…   When you study this image, what do you see?   a.       Do you notice how God is reaching with every effort, with all the angels of heaven, reaching hard to touch Adam? b.       Do you notice how comfortable Adam is, barely moves, looks possibly uninterested, indifferent, not making much of an effort back. c.       Do you see this  as a moment of free will? d.       Do you see this  as a moment of human consciousness?   While it’s a beautiful scene to look at because it’s painted by a legend, it’s way less about the outward beauty for me. It provokes thought, and I get lost in it…   Do I put forth effort back to God who reaches for me? Do I have a passive faith that is comfortable? Do I recognize free will and choose correctly? If I’m formed in His likeness, do I resemble Him? If He’s a perfect father, do I act indifferent that he formed me because he wanted me?   For me, this is a masterpiece because of its inward significance .   We could look at different pieces of art all day every day and never have enough time. There are so many wonderful pieces of art.   It’s never been about how you look on the outside; your value is your internal significance. Some of you DON’T feel like a work of art, a masterpiece. Maybe you had someone who made you feel small, unimportant, worthless, dumb, or not talented enough. I hear you. Same.   Go find out what Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:3-5. You’ll thank me!   How can you feel like a masterpiece?   Realize your worth. You are timeless. You’re priceless – there was a price tag on you, but it’s been paid in full. You’re exquisite, marked by flawless craftsmanship by God, your Father who designed you just how he wanted you. You weren’t mass-produced. You are not an assembly line product. You were handcrafted…one of a kind…deliberately planned, specifically gifted and lovingly positioned on this earth by the master craftsman. Eph 2:10 AMP: We are his workmanship (his own master work), a work of art, created in Jesus to do good works. Of all his creations, he calls US his workmanship or best work of art.   I’ll pose the original question again. Q: What comes to mind when God thinks of his best art? A: YOU! Downloadable version

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Good news, grown-ups, even though most of the screens at your local theater are probably still devoted to “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” there’s a decent option for adults in one of the other houses. I’m convinced that “The Drama” has stayed in the top three at the domestic box office for the past two weekends by reeling in parents who don’t want to watch Mario with their kids, but don’t want to leave the theater. Or it could be good advertising, good word-of-mouth, good reviews, or other non-cynical reasons. The film follows Charlie (Robert Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya), a nauseatingly-cute Boston-area couple a week away from their wedding. He’s a bit of a creep and she doesn’t talk much about her military-family upbringing, but they’re sure they can learn to live with each other’s foibles, after all, they’re in love. Hopefully it’s not much of a spoiler to say that their love will be tested over the course of the film as they deal with, well, drama. That drama first rears its head at a couples’ dinner with friends Mike (Mamoudou Athie) and Rachel (Alana Haim). Rachel has the bright idea to have everyone at the table reveal the worst thing they’ve ever done. I’m not sure what the “best” case scenario is for a game like this, but it certainly ends in one of the worst. Emma makes the grave miscalculation of thinking that she has the forum to be honest, and reveals a secret that ruins everybody’s night. I joked about spoilers earlier, but when it comes to Emma’s secret, things are more difficult. Unlike traditional spoilers, this one comes early in the movie, when she and Charlie are still in their “honeymoon phase,” so to speak. Not revealing the secret makes it hard to look at the rest of the movie, but it’s in the movie’s best interest that the audience is taken off-guard so they don’t have time to form opinions about the controversial subject matter in advance. What I can say is that once Emma’s secret is revealed, Charlie can’t look at her the same way again. He tries to put it out of his mind, but… if you’re told not to think of a red umbrella, you think of a red umbrella, and Emma’s secret might have involved some red umbrellas if people were carrying umbrellas. It is worth noting that Emma’s secret does not involve tangible victims or require tangible consequences. All it can do is affect how people think of her, which is invariably some form of “worse.” Emma’s secret drives Charlie to madness in his relationship with his friends, his assistant (Hailey Gates), and especially Emma. Eventually his insecurities drive her crazy, and by the time of the wedding, they’re quite the dysfunctional couple. They’re talking about spending the rest of their lives together, but can the relationship even survive the reception? Let’s just say that there will probably be a lot fewer fantasies about getting married to Robert Pattinson after this movie. “The Drama” really clicked with me, even though its appeal lies in a dark, awkward, cringey comedy that I don’t normally like. Probably the highlight of the film for me was a scene from the trailers, where Charlie and Emma try to pose for wedding photos like everything is okay when it definitely isn’t. It’s not hard to tell from the trailers that “something” is off, but the added context made it funnier than it ever was when being cryptic (though being cryptic was the right tone for the trailers). I recommend this film, but try to wear a beat-up shirt that you won’t mind stretching out from tugging at your collar. Grade: B “The Drama” is rated R for sexual content, some violent/bloody images, language throughout, and brief drug use. Its running time is 105 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Copiah-Lincoln Community College students in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) earned top honors across multiple categories at the FBLA Collegiate State Leadership Conference, recently held at the University of Southern Mississippi. Winners included: Olivia Vaughn of Union Church- First place, Project Management; First place, Business Presentation Team Gracie Smith of Bogue Chitto- First place, Business Ethics; Second Place, Accounting Conner Cunningham of Brookhaven- First place, Supply Chain Management; Second place, Project Management Anna McKenzie of Smithdale, First place, Hospitality Management; Second place, Hospitality Management Team Case Competition Anna Raye Brister of Ruth- First place, Impromptu Speaking; Fourth place, Job Interview Thomas Baker of Brookhaven – First place, Economics; First place, Business Presentation Team Will Harris of Brookhaven- First place, Sports Management & Marketing; Third place, Management Keynon Barnes of Silver Creek- Second place, Entrepreneurship; Second place, Marketing Benson Schexnaydre of McCall Creek- Second place, Economics; Second place, Public Speaking Brianna Brown of Hazlehurst- Second place, Customer Service Jarvis Walker of Crystal Springs- Second place, Management; Second place, Hospitality Management Team Case Competition Ethan Coleman of Meadville- Second place, Impromptu Speaking; Sixth place, Job Interview Lonnie Boyd of Bogue Chitto– Third place, Hospitality Management; Second place, Hospitality Management Team Case Competition Hayden Gunnell of Bogue Chitto- Fourth place, Business Law Qualifying students will now compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com You want your way. And that is normal. But getting others to want to do what you are asking? Sometimes that’s just not very easy. Forcing them usually doesn’t make you a winner. In their eyes or in your own. A normal person will usually admit they don’t enjoy having to use bad tactics to win. They just can’t figure out another technique. And they are right; there are other means to get your way. For example, you may be bigger and stronger than a child in your care and can physically force them to comply, but that is just old-fashioned bullying to get your way. You are the adult, and you need to find a smarter method to be teaching and disciplining them. How? Just keep in mind, those little guys have their own personalities and their individual point of view, which means that invariably there will be a wrong way to handle them. (Think hook and GONGGG!!) A little fellow with a belligerent streak won't take kindly to bullying from you. But at the same time, that Aggressive Alan can sense a coward a quarter mile away. So hold your ground, but at the same time don't destroy his independent spirit while you do. Give him a choice from several choices that are all acceptable to you. Rather than just telling him what he has to do, which can set off a stubborn set to his little chin and a “you can’t make me” glint in his eye. Cooperation goes a long way with this kind of kid. Or, how about being the boss of your own company, and using that lofty position to demand your employees do things your way... and only your way? Usually, those tactics gain you the disdainful title of micromanager. Invariably resulting in very little creativity and energy from your employees. And those results end up in a gradually building burning resentment of you - if not outright rebellion. And possible sabotage of your position. Be smart. Learn how to command respect by respecting them. Take the easier way to getting what you are wanting. When an employee makes it clear they are disagreeing with you - and they will - do yourself a favor. Take the time to learn the "why" they are resisting you. Then work from that. Either realize they do have a good point and learn from it, or clearly and kindly communicate why you will not agree and won’t allow their idea to be utilized. But either way, thank them for their creativity and that your door is always open to them. Either way you go, accepting their point, or explaining to them why you won't...it's called good communication. I had a teacher in my past whose favorite saying was this; “We can do this the hard way or the easy way, but either way, it’s gonna be my way.”  Effective? I won’t try to interpret it for you, but I certainly remember that woman all these years later.