Providing hope

Thumbs up to the Seymour Kiwanis Club for starting a program to provide Seymour police officers with trauma bears. Officers can use the teddy bears to provide a child with a little comfort, security and hope when they find themselves in a traumatic situation.

A first

Thumbs up to Trinity Lutheran High School’s first Indiana All-Star, Sydney Jaynes. The recent graduate, who plans to play for the Butler Bulldogs this coming season, wrapped up her high school career this past weekend. She finished with two points in the Indiana squad’s 69-58 win Friday night at Owensboro, Kentucky, and had four points, four rebounds, a steal and a block in the squad’s 78-76 loss to the Kentucky All-Stars on Saturday night at Southport.

Patriotic display

Thumbs up to everyone involved in the planning and execution of the 46th annual Crothersville Red, White and Blue Festival this past weekend. The three-day patriotic event featured a tribute to Glen Henry, a World War II veteran who served in the U.S Navy, and plenty of fun and a good time for all.

Remembering our fallen heroes

Thumbs up to the Southeast Indiana Patriot Guard for organizing the annual Ride to Remember. The purpose of the two-day event, held in June each year since 2011, is to remember the servicemen from southeastern Indiana who have died in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001. The ride always pays a visit to the Jackson County Courthouse to recognize the sacrifice of Marine Lance Cpl. Hunter “H.D.” Hogan of Norman, who was killed in action June 23, 2012, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Graduates

Thumbs up to the Jackson County students who recently graduated from universities, colleges and trade schools or completed their military training this spring. A related thumbs up to our high school graduates, including Brownstown Central’s 108, the 29 from Crothersville, Medora’s 11, the nine from Sandy Creek Christian Academy, Seymour High School’s 327 and the 33 from Trinity Lutheran. Good luck with your future endeavors.