Friday night marked the end of graduation season in the Miss-Lou, and the beginning of a new phase in life for those who received a diploma.

Before we get our summer plans started, let’s take a look back at some of the highlights from last week:

-Natchez High School graduated 185 students in the class of 2013. Nineteen of those students, who have lost their mother or father, were recognized separately last week by a local woman wanting to help remind them people still cared about them. We congratulate those who graduated and wish them the best as they continue on with the next chapter in their lives.

-Firefighters and fire chiefs from across the state gathered for the 76th annual Mississippi Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Conference. Some of the participants found themselves rappelling down the bluff as part of a training exercise. We tip our hats to those brave men and women who continually put their lives in danger for the protection of others.

-Adams County Christian School graduate Ashton Mason was selected as STAR student of her school after receiving a 28 on the ACT college preparatory test. Mason will continue her studies at Louisiana State University in the fall and plans on studying biology. We congratulate Mason on her success.

Try and stay cool this week as the summer heat begins to shine down upon us in the place we call home.