Special Olympics Mississippi will honor longtime champion and retired state Rep. Rita Martinson, as well as its athletes and volunteers, at the Go For The Gold Gala, Nov. 10 at The South in Jackson.

The gala will showcase artwork from Special Olympics Mississippi athletes in a silent auction. All proceeds raised from the cocktail/black-tie optional event will support the programs of Special Olympics Mississippi.

Martinson, who represented Mississippi District 58 from 1992 until retiring in 2016, spearheaded the first gala for Special Olympics Mississippi and continued in that role for 13 years. During her tenure in the state legislature, where she served on committees ranging from education to tourism, Martinson would bring Special Olympians to the floor of the House of Representatives to be recognized by the Speaker of the House and receive commendations for their achievements.

“It all goes back to the athletes,” Martinson said. “It takes courage to put yourself out there in front of everybody and do the best you can. It touches your heart when you see how much they appreciate being able to participate in Special Olympics, and how the families enjoy seeing them thrive.” 

The silent auction will include sports memorabilia autographed by NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre, Ole Miss football head coach Hugh Freeze. Tickets are $75 each or $125 for couples, and are available online at www.specialolympicsms.org/gala.  

Health awareness education

North Hills Family Medical Clinic and Marion Primary Care Center provided health awareness education for students at Northeast Lauderdale Elementary School.

The group focused on diabetes and heart disease prevention as well as eating healthy and exercising. Students were taught about oral health and how to make healthy food choices. They participated in hula hoop contests and the cha cha slide to promote fun exercise.

The education is being provided as part of a grant program the clinics are participating in with the Mississippi Rural Health Association, and is also a special community health project they are performing in conjunction with Mississippi Rural Health Month. 

West Hills Elementary ‘Pink Out’

Students at West Hills Elementary have “pinked” it out in their second annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.

During the month of October, students were allowed to wear pink shirts for $1 on selected Fridays. The cancer awareness drive was spearheaded by students and teachers in kindergarten, but the whole school joined in to make the campaign a great success.

Students at West Hills raised $260 through their pink out days and cupcake sale. Ms. Ethridge’s and Ms. Davis’ fourth grade classes also ordered pink cupcakes for $1 each. The money was donated to Wayne Herrington of Anderson Cancer Center in honor of Dessie Larkin, a foster grandmother of West Hills who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Suzanne Marshall writes the Neighbors column for The Meridian Star. Submit items to editor@themeridianstar.com.