An annual fundraising event last week proved again how well our community can come together, have a great time and raise much needed funds in the process.

Before we begin the week ahead, let’s take a look back at some of the highlights from last week:

• The 2014 United Way jambalaya cook-off fundraiser paired good times with good food and brought hundreds of residents together to support 13 community organizations. The Council on Aging proved their cuisine reigned supreme and took home the coveted first-place award in the jambalaya competition. But the real winners last week were the agencies the United Way supports.

• A local landmark received national recognition as Historic Jefferson College was listed as a “Southern Travel Treasure” in the American Automobile Association’s bi-monthly magazine. Nearly 14,000 people visited HJC last year, and those operating the facility say that’s because the site’s location on U.S. 61 appeals to travelers looking for a break. We’ve always seen HJC as a treasure to our community, but we’re glad to see others realizing its qualities.

• Trinity Episcopal Day School junior Brooke Wiley was one of 30 high school students from across Mississippi to venture to the first Women Empowered Leadership Conference. Wiley was encouraged to apply by her school’s counselor and was selected to travel to Starkville for the conference. Wiley found the conference to be a chance to connect with other students who shared interests in topics about which Wiley is passionate. We congratulate Wiley on being selected and thank her for representing Natchez on a statewide level.

Let’s keep the good news coming as we begin another week in the Miss-Lou.