Three-hundred never looked so good Wednesday as Natchez celebrated its tricentennial.

With solemn ceremonies and a blowout birthday party on the bluff, organizers pulled out all of the stops and celebrated as only Natchez can. Not to be overshadowed by the festivities, other moments of good news from last week also deserved recognition:

-Law enforcement officers from Adams County and Concordia Parish celebrated National Night Out with area residents and neighborhood watch groups. The annual night of awareness was started more than 30 years ago as a way to promote crime prevention and foster community relationships. With cookouts, outdoor dances and other events, residents gave thanks for the services local officers provide. Thanks to all the residents that showed support for local law enforcement officers.

-When Cathedral School ninth-grader Fisher Iseminger shares what she did this summer with her classmates, she will be sharing more than just stories. Iseminger will be sharing lessons on how to become better leaders. Iseminger was chosen to attend the Trent Lott Leadership Institute at the University of Mississippi. The ninth-grader said she had fun making friends, but that she also brought back with her skills that she hopes to use to improve her school and community. As she enters high school, we are confident that Iseminger’s summer lesson in leadership will carry her far.

-The Mississippi Writers Guild celebrated the written word in Natchez this weekend with a series of informative workshops and entertaining lectures. The highlight of the weekend conference was when local author and New York Times best-selling write Greg Iles was honored with the guild’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Thanks to the Mississippi Writers Guild for a successful conference and congratulations to Iles for a well-deserved honor.

As we enter a new week, let’s remember to always look for those who make our community special.