Roses and thorns 7-25-21 A rose to community groups who are helping make sure schoolchildren have the supplies they need as the school year approaches. Throughout the Golden Triangle, civic groups and other organizations have been sponsoring school supplies events, including the one held Saturday at Westside Park in Starkville. The events provide children with a variety of supplies, including backpacks and items listed on schools’ supply list. For some, the cost of providing these supplies can be a challenge, so access to supplies provided at these events are important, not only for the students but for teachers as well. When a student arrives at school without the necessary supplies, it is common practice for teachers to provide those materials, often at their own cost. We applaud these organizations, their volunteers and donors for helping fill the gap as we approach the school year.