The heat and humidity may have residents seeking a cool spot, but the summer weather hasn’t prevented residents from accomplishing great things in the area. Let’s look at some of the week’s highlights:

-Monterey High School valedictorian Bailey Book said she to choose a career that helps people and knows the right role model is not too far away. Books says after watching her father work in his Vidalia pharmacy and watch him care for his customers, Book says she wants to follow in his footsteps and go to pharmacy school. This fall she will enroll in the pre-pharmacy program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. With her self-motivation and her dad guiding her along the way we know Book is well on her way to a bright future.

-Residents from across the Miss-Lou got the chance to pump iron, eat dinner and, for a select few, act in front of the camera with Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart and other Hollywood movie stars last week. The actors were jus a small part of the movie crew that filmed scenes in Ferriday and Sicily Island for an upcoming “Wolverine” movie sequel. Even though the actors created much of the buzz in local social media circle, the film crew was spending money in local stores for tents, mosquito spray and other local supplies. Despite some inconveniences, Ferriday and Clayton officials said the movie would be good for local businesses.

-After more than 30 years of celebrating separately, the South Natchez Class of 1986 decided to do things differently this year. Years after segregated dances, proms and even their 10-year reunion, class organizers decided to celebrate their 30th high school reunion together. “We didn’t know any better — that’s the way it had been done. But now we are older, and we know better, so we can do better,” alumnus Sheila Chatman said Saturday. Congratulations to the class of 1986 for choosing to celebrate together rather than continuing to be apart.

As we plunge into another busy week, let’s remember to give thanks to everyone who is striving to make our community great.