THUMBS UP: To the Lowndes High School Vikings and Valdosta High School Wildcats for making it to the state playoffs. Win or lose, both football teams should be commended for their efforts this season, as they are major reasons this area continues to be known as Winnersville — as well as TitleTown USA. The Wildcats have captured a total of six national championships since 1962. Known as the winningest high school program in the nation, the team was also successful in gaining this top title in 1969, 1971, 1984, 1986 and 1992. The Wildcats have won 23 Georgia State Championships. These titles were captured in 1940, 1947, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1978, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1992 and 1998. The Vikings have won five Georgia State Championships. These titles were captured in 1980, 1999, 2004, 2005 and 2007.

THUMBS UP: To Valdosta Stadium Cinemas and Ashley Value Cinemas for raising $22,863.31 for the Greater Valdosta United Way during the Sixth Annual Film & Food for a Cause.

THUMBS UP: To the Mildred Hunter Community Center for offering preteen and teen males in the community the encouragement to stay in school and out of trouble. Once a month, through its Intervention Guidance Mentoring Program, center personnel and volunteers meet with these young men and help them develop five-year plans for the future.

THUMBS DOWN: To those who took the sign that was made to commemorate the Great Hahira Pick-In. Following a full day of fun at the reunion of the pick-in, thieves walked away with the sign, which was presented by Harveys to the City of Hahira at a cost of $1,300. At the same time, thumbs up to everyone who performed, organized and attended the last Great Hahira Pick-In, as the site will soon become a Harveys location.