From elementary students sporting neckties to a Natchez native honored as the state administrator of the year, the Miss-Lou looked mighty sharp last week.

Let’s take a moment to recap a few of the high points:

4Natchez native Patrick Gray was recognized Thursday as the Mississippi Administrator of the Year by the state department of education. Gray, principal of Oak Grove Middle School in Lamar County, was honored for his superior ability to inspire teachers and outstanding leadership skills. Congratulations, Gray.

4City Code Enforcement Officer Anita Smith might as well have received “mother of the year.” Her four children — and some 50 friends and family — surprised her with a new house on Martin Luther King Street Tuesday. A single parent who always kept a full-time job, Smith’s children said she went the extra mile to make sure they achieved all their dreams. Tuesday, her children repaid her with a lovely historic house.

4Thanks to Animal Rescue Front, 21 local pups left the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society Shelter last week in hopes of finding new homes. Volunteers with the humane society work tirelessly to make sure our four-legged friends are well cared for, and we thank them for all their efforts.

4Susie B. West Elementary School’s male students now have the option to suit up on Thursdays. As a way to build character, the school is giving male students the option to wear neckties. What better way to prepare young leaders for a bright, successful future?

Now, as we shine our shoes and tuck in our shirts, let’s aim for another well-dressed week of good news.