“Inky” Johnson brought his message of perseverance, hope, courage and faith to Brookhaven for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes District 7 banquet. Johnson’s message of trusting God through all of life’s challenges was good news to those who gathered at Easthaven Baptist Church for the event. “Life is the greatest classroom,” Johnson said. “I would not change any of it if I could. If I had to choose an NFL contract on one hand or my father’s salvation, I would choose my father’s salvation every time. I would go through that injury 10 more times if it meant my dad coming to faith in God.”

Here is a look back a few more positive stories.

• A Brookhaven woman won the 2019 St. Jude Dream Home. Lou Robison’s name was announced live on WLBT as the big winner. The custom-built, four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home built by Deep South Custom Homes in Rankin County is valued at $575,000.

• Brookhaven Academy senior Kaitlin Beal has the highest ACT score among her peers, making her BA’s STAR student for the graduating class of 2019. Beal, daughter of Michael and Chasity Beal, plans to attend Mississippi State University, where the minimum required ACT score for admittance is 16. The minimum is 27 for the pre-veterinary route of study she intends to follow. Her undergraduate study will be in the university’s animal and dairy science track.

• Brookhaven High School senior tennis player Maddie Boyte recently signed a letter-of-intent to take the court next year for the Meridian Community College Eagles. Boyte has been a strong part of the Brookhaven High School tennis program coached by Nancy Fisher in the last few seasons. Boyte has paired with Gray Anding in a strong mixed doubles duo.

• A pot-luck luncheon, music and prayers will focus on Christ’s walk before his crucifixion and on first responders in a Holy Week service set for Wednesday in Brookhaven. Members of all denominations are invited to the service, to be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mt. Wade Baptist Church, 749 North Jackson St.

The service will be a reminder of what Christ faced before he died on the cross and how Jesus walks with us daily, said the Rev. Anne Matthews of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. The focus on first responders is because of concerns since the fatal shootings of two Brookhaven police officers that shook the community last year, Matthews said.