Summing up how important a smile is in our everyday lives is difficult to quantify. In a couple of instances this week, we discovered the transformative power of that simple facial expressioLet’s look at those stories and others that highlight the good things happening in our community:

-Natchez High School’s Latrice Ramsey lets her smile do all the talking. The senior who has been described as quiet, humble and nice to everyone she meets recently won the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen award. Ramsey plans to be a writer and maybe teach writing, too. More important, she wants to return to Mississippi to be an inspiration to others, like her mentors inspired her. With an attitude like that, Ramsey is already an inspiration.

-Tennessee Williams may not have had a connection to Natchez until now. Thanks to Natchez native and New Orleans artist Will Smith Jr., a painting of the Mississippi playwright now hangs in the state’s Hall of Fame exhibit in the Old Capitol Museum in Jackson. It is wonderful to have a local artist and his artwork selected to be among the many notable artists included in the exhibit.

-Tuesday, local emergency responders converged on the Alcorn School of Nursing to participate in an emergency drill as part of a continuing effort to stay prepared. This year’s drill involved a mock explosion and active-shooter scenario. Thanks to all who took the time and effort to make the drill challenging and safe. The lessons learned last week could help save lives in the event of a real emergency.

-The biggest inspiration of the week may have been from the smiling faces of the athletes who competed in Friday’s Special Olympics at Natchez High School on Friday. Student volunteer Breanna Ramsey, who admitted to being nervous when coming to help, may have summed up the event by saying, “You get out here, and they are just like you and me. They just need a little help, but hey, everyone needs a little help sometimes.” Thanks to all who made the day more than special for all involved.

Let’s remember how a simple smile can be an inspiration to others this week.