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Hometown Clinton • 2

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4 • AUGUST 2021

FROM OUR PUBLISHER

Every year –

in the pre-fall days –

the memories return.

I remember my first book satchel. Now they are obsolete;

backpacks in multiple shapes, sizes, styles and prices have replaced

them.

I remember my fat pencils and the oblong tablet with crisp lines

that told me how high to write the alphabet big letters and how small

to write the little ones. The pencils and tablet may still survive in some

schools, but I’ve observed my young nieces and nephews with their

iPads and their schedules and assignments on an electronic screen.

I watch the lines of carpools and the school buses unload the

growing number of students. I remember my early environment of

Mr. Rogers and Captain Kangaroo and wonder what has already

been programmed into these young minds. The media explosion

has multiplied the challenges for parents and teachers.

When I think about those challenges, I remember the wisdom

of God’s Word and want to etch it in the minds of all the young

learners: “Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” We who

are without power CAN turn to the Lord who has all power. His

Word says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything

by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be

made known to God.”

This verse is a must to remember for the sake of all the young

learners. God’s word will never be obsolete!

HOMETOWN STAFF

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Tahya Dobbs

CFO

Kevin Dobbs

CONSULTING EDITOR

Mary Ann Kirby

IN THIS ISSUE

Superfan Families . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Clinton Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Raising Whosoevers . . . . . . . . . . 34

Salute to First Responders . . . . . . . 41

If These Walls Could Talk . . . . . . . . 46

The Time Coin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

SPECIAL PROJECTS

MANAGER

Brenda McCall

SPECIAL PROJECTS

ASSISTANT

Caroline Hodges

ADMINISTRATIVE

ASSISTANT

Alisha Floyd

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kim Cochram

LAYOUT DESIGN

Daniel Thomas

3dt

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Othel Anding

ADVERTISING

ASSISTANT

Jodi Jackson

...see you ....see around you around town. town.

www.facebook.com/hometownclintonmagazine. For subscription information visit www.htmags.com or contact us at info@HTMags.com / 601.706.4059 / 26 Eastgate Drive, Suite F / Brandon, MS 39042

All rights reserved. No portion of Hometown Clinton be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Hometown Clinton is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers or editors.

Hometown Clinton maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Hometown Clinton is funded by advertising.

Hometown CLINTON • 5

6 • AUGUST 2021

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8 • AUGUST 2021

Chaos

the

Tell us about your family.

Jeff (LOVES MSU football, obviously; photography) • Jana (teacher; reading; baking and

cooking) • Jase (10, soccer; Legos; spending time outside) • John Stephen (7, soccer;

science experiments; building things and coming up with ideas for “inventions”)

How long have you been married and how did you meet?

We met in college through mutual friends and have been married for 15 years.

What brings you the greatest joy as a parent?

We love watching our boys play soccer. It’s a lot of fun getting to see them do something

in their daddy’s footsteps. Jeff has coached both boys in rec. soccer, and that

was fun to watch, too. They LOVED playing for their daddy, but that didn’t mean he

was easy on them. Both boys are very focused on always getting better and enjoy a

challenge.

What are some of your favorite things about Clinton?

We love the “family” and “home” feel of Clinton. Neither of us are from Clinton, but we

very much feel a part of it. We are able to go to work, school, and church here, and it’s

nice to always know faces around town. We love that our boys can grow up in a small

place and have close friends in their community. Being in the schools is also a way to

know a lot of people. We feel like we are able to really appreciate the community more

when we have a hold of what is happening around us.

What drives you to have the job that you have?

Jeff I love photography because it gives me the chance to give something back to

someone. They will always be able to remember a time in their lives, even if it isn’t

exactly what the pictures were taken of. They will remember when their kids were that

age, or they’ll remember the funny thing they said to each other in the picture. They

may remember how something went wrong getting their hair done for their wedding or

with the caterer or with some silly detail, but they’ll remember that it was still an

amazing day and that they are still married. Those pictures can always connect them

back to a time.

FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE

White Rotel Dip

• 3 8oz. blocks of cream cheese

• 2 lb. browned and crumbled

breakfast sausage

• 1 can of Rotel (We go mild for the kids)

Mix all ingredients in a skillet on high then

simmer on low to keep it warm! We like

Tostitos or Frito Scoops on the side, but

Jeff also likes it on a burger!

Jana School has always been something I’ve loved–I’m working on my Ed.D right

now because I just enjoy school. Teaching lets me be a part of that for kids. I love the

way our schools are set up so that I have kids from all different walks of life and

different backgrounds. I am able to be for them what they need, which can be very

different for each of them. And in Clinton, I love that we hold all of our students to the

standard of excellence, which is a process to work toward. We are able to encourage

them to always better themselves and to think beyond one moment or one day. It’s

really neat to watch these kids grow.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a family?

We like to go on trips. We go to the beach every year, and both have been on that

trip with us from infancy on. We also go with other family (grandparents, cousins, etc.)

so it’s a lot of fun. We usually take little trips throughout the year—we love New

Orleans. Of course, there are certainly trips to watch the Dawgs!

Hometown RANKIN • 9

10 • AUGUST 2021

Buckleys

the


We’re Steve and Beverly Buckley, owners of Clinton Printwear and Trophies.

Beverly is a retired medical technologist. Our son Bryan is a registered nurse and is

the director of critical care services at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. His wife,

Michelle is a registered nurse at St. Dominic’s Hospital. Our grandaughter, Madison,

15 is an honor student at Clinton High School. Brooks and Mackenzie, twin grandkids,

are students at Northside Elementary. We are a small very close family. We have a

fantastic son and daughter-in-law and three grandchildren that bring us so much joy.

We enjoy doing things as a family like eating out and going on trips (like Ole Miss

Football games). We love being a part of the grandkids lives and all of their activities.

We are truly blessed and have so much to be thankful for.


The greatest joy of a parent is all about love. We have loved watching them grow up

in a Godly home and in a great community like Clinton. Seeing our son become a

successful young man in his career choices and watching Michelle and him raise

their children in a loving home, has been so special to see.

What are some of your favorite things about Clinton?

We moved to Clinton in 1983. Beverly graduated from Mississippi College several

years earlier and lived on campus. Growing up in South Jackson, we knew how special

Clinton was. Clinton is truly a family oriented, small hometown and college town that has

something for everyone. It is a great place to raise children and the school district is one

of the top districts in the state. There is so much history in Clinton, including Old Town

and the brick streets, where many fun events are held. The residents of Clinton are

caring and friendly, and we have made so many wonderful friends during our time here.

Clinton has a great police and fire department. Thanks to these departments, Clinton

is one of the safest cities in the state. Our family has been members of FBC Clinton for

38 years. The church is such a blessing to our family. We have had the joy of seeing our

son and granddaughter baptized there.

What accomplishments make you proud during your time

living in Clinton?

We opened Clinton Printwear and Trophies in 2000, and in 2013 we were fortunate

enough to move the business to Olde Town. We have been truly blessed with loyal

customers and employees that have supported us over the years. Our son graduated

from Clinton High School and then attended Ole Miss. He then graduated from nursing

school with a BSN. In 2019, he received a master’s in healthcare administration.

He married Michelle, from Picayune, Mississippi, in 2012, and they have three beautiful

children that all attend Clinton schools. We are so proud of Madison! She’s a member

of the Attaché Show Choir.

What do you love about Ole Miss?

As a young boy, my uncle took me to all the Ole Miss games played in Jackson at

Memorial Stadium. Archie Manning was the quarterback back then and I was hooked.

As I got older and began going to games in Oxford, it was even more apparent how

much I loved Ole Miss. The city of Oxford and the campus of Ole Miss became known

to me as “God’s Country.” I went on to attend college at Ole Miss. The atmosphere in

the Grove before a football game and the showers in right field after a homerun at

Swayze is something everyone needs to experience.

Beverly became an avid Ole Miss fan after we were married. We purchased a condo

in Oxford and spend every spare minute there. After graduating from Clinton, Bryan

attended Ole Miss. He was raised on a heavy dose of Hotty Toddy, and now he is doing

the same for his children.


Michelle’s

Mini Muffulettas

• 2 16-oz. jars of mixed picked

vegetables

• ¾ cup pimento-stuffed

Spanish olives, chopped

• 2 Tbsp. bottled olive oil

and vinegar dressing

• 12 small dinner rolls

• 6 provolone cheese slices,

cut in half

• 6 slices Swiss cheese,

cut in half

• 12 thin deli ham slices

• 12 genoa salami slices

Pulse pickled vegetables in food

processor, 8-10 times or until finally

chopped. Stir in olives and dressing.

Spread 1 heaping tablespoon of

pickled vegetable mixture over cut

side of each roll bottom. Top with one

provolone half, one ham slice, one

salami slice, one swiss half, and roll

top. Cover with plastic wrap, serve

immediately or chill until ready

to serve.


12 • AUGUST 2021

Russells

the


We are Rodney and Deanna Russell of Clinton, and we have two

beautiful daughters: Taylor, who is 26, and Madison, who is 19. We

enjoy spending time with our dogs, attending USM sporting events,

reading, trying new restaurants, and hanging out by our pool.


Seeing our kids happy and healthy. To see our girls thriving in what

makes them happy, makes us truly happy, as well.

What are some of your favorite things

about Clinton?

It is difficult to narrow down our favorite things about the city of

Clinton. To name a few, we love the family atmosphere and activities

offered here, Olde Towne and all it has to offer, our church family

at First Baptist Clinton, and the public school system that we were

fortunate to be a part of. Clinton schools are some of the best in the

state, to be sure.

What accomplishments make you proud

during your time living in Clinton?

Seeing the way the community here came together in both the time

after September 11 and after Hurricane Katrina made me realize how

special the people of Clinton truly are. When citizens are in need,

the community rises up and tries to meet many of those needs.

We are also proud that both of our children were able to benefit

from the Clinton Public School System and all it has to offer its

students. I (Deanna) was fortunate to be employed by the Clinton

Schools until I retired, and I am presently employed at Mississippi

College here in Clinton.

What do you love about USM?

It all began for me (Deanna) when my family moved to Hattiesburg

when I was three. We loved our time there while we were in

college. Love going to football, basketball, and baseball games.

Enjoy tailgating and getting together with friends from college as

well as friends we have met since college. We love the friendships

that we have as a result of our ties to the university. And I love

watching my kids going with my daddy to ballgames.


Pimiento Cheese & Crackers

• 1½ lbs. white sharp cheddar, shredded

• 2½ lbs. yellow sharp cheddar, shredded

• 10 oz. pimientos, peeled, drained, diced

• Worcestershire sauce

• 3 cups mayo

• Salt, pepper and garlic to taste

Mix cheeses and pimiento. Combine the wet ingredients

in separate bowl. Mix into cheese mixture and add

seasonings. Refrigerate overnight for added flavor.


14 • AUGUST 2021

Joneses

the


Derrick Jones (48), loves hunting, football and all sports. Tami Jones

(47), loves football, and shopping currently working on her D.B.A.

Justin Robertson (25) loves football, and playing Madden. Mia Jones

(24), loves music, football, and shopping, currently working on her B.S.

at Jackson State. Kayla Jones (13) loves soccer, soccer, soccer!!!

How long have you been married and how did

you meet?

Derrick and I met at the VA Medical Center. He was the phlebotomist

that drew my grandfather’s blood. When I met him, I told my grandfather

I would marry him. My grandfather smiled and said, ‘Ok Tami.’

Fast forward to 26 years later and we’ve been married for 19 years.


As a parent, it gives me great joy to see my kids, happy, healthy,

and living their life. Having them pursue their goals and enjoy the

fulfillment of those goals is a joy to watch.

What are some of your favorite things

about Clinton?

By far my most favorite thing is the exceptional schools. Both older

kids graduated from Clinton Public Schools and received an excellent

education. The entire school system is focused on providing the best

education possible for the children. Parents are vested in their

children’s success and work with the educators to ensure the best

possible outcome for their kids.

What accomplishments make you proud during

your time living in Clinton?

It’s by far our two oldest kids graduating from Clinton High and our

13-yr-old daughter playing Brilla Soccer and recently being added to

the junior varsity Lady Arrow Soccer team.


Being in the newspaper business for over 20 years, what drives me

is being able to provide quality news that our state needs and wants.

My kids motivate me to do what I do. Providing them an example of

being able to achieve whatever you set your mind to is what makes

me happy.


Deviled Eggs

• 12 large eggs

• Relish

• Chopped onions

• Mayo

• Meat of your choice (We like ham)

Boil, cool, and peel eggs. Cut in half and remove

yolks. Place yolk in a separate bowl. Place egg white

halves on tray. Chop your choice of meat finely -

use a mixer if you’d like. Mix all above ingredients

(to taste). Dip a spoon of mixture to each egg white.

Let sit in refrigerator for about an hour to chill.

CHILDREN

What’s your favorite thing to do as a family?

Justin Hang out, quality family time.

Mia Family trips.

Kayla Family dinners.


16 • AUGUST 2021

Hawthorns

the


Jeremy (37) loves golfing, woodworking, and yard work. Emily (36)

enjoys painting, listening to podcasts, and fixing our house up with

Jeremy. Lily (9) is also involved in painting, soccer, softball, and

swimming with friends. Ava (5) loves to play soccer, dance, and riding

her bike.

How long have you been married and how did

you meet?

Jeremy and I met in college at Ouachita Baptist University, where

he was playing baseball and I was getting my art degree. We met

in January of 2007 and were engaged by the first week of August.

We’ve been married 13 years.


I think just seeing them grow and accomplish things and put their

whole heart into something. Whether it be on a field or a classroom

or giving their time in service to help someone, seeing them use their

talents and special skills that they each uniquely have, it’s just a joy to

see them work hard at something.

What are some of your favorite things about

Clinton?

We love the small-town feel. From the downtown markets to the shops

and the restaurants, it just feels like such a special place. We love

going to the library and hit up one of the awesome parks almost every

Friday after school with our friends. Our church has also been such a

big part of our time here in Clinton. It has been where we have found

our community and our deep, lasting friendships.

What accomplishments make you proud during

your time living in Clinton?

Hands down, winning the Gulf South Conference baseball championship

in 2018. That is a moment our family will never ever forget!


Loaded Baked Potato Dip

• 16 oz. sour cream

• 2 cups Colby-Jack shredded cheese

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 3 oz. real bacon bits

Mix ingredients and chill for two hours.

Serve with Ruffles.


Jeremy Helping build up athletes to become men, not only on

the field, but also spiritually off the field.

Emily I’m just motivated to create because there’s always beauty

around us. Not only in nature, but now with social media at our

fingertips, there is so much inspiration. It’s just exciting to know

I can wake up every day and create something new!

CHILDREN What’s your favorite thing to do as a family?

Ava Play games at home together

Lily Go to the movies


18 • AUGUST 2021

CALL NOW: 601-401-3299

READER

SPOTLIGHT

Laura Jo

__________ FERGUSON

Why did you decide to make Clinton

your home?

Upon graduating from Mississippi College,

I wanted to a place that would be home.

I grew up in two small towns, Canton and

Natchez. I wanted a town where I could

go to church, the grocery store or out to

eat and know people and feel at home.

Clinton definitely provided that!

How long have you lived in Clinton?

I have lived in Clinton for the past ten

years and five years of undergrad at

Mississippi College.


I am starting my eleventh year of teaching

and my eighth year at Northside Elementary

teaching 2nd grade. My husband, Grant

Ferguson, was born and raised in Clinton.

This past September, we welcomed our son,

Will, into the world. We love our new life

as a family of three and watching our son

learn and grow!

What is your favorite memory of living

in Clinton?

One of my favorite memories of living in

Clinton is my husband proposing to me in

my classroom with my students holding up

a sign that said, “Will you marry me?”

Where are your three favorite places to

eat in Clinton?

Our three favorite places to eat in Clinton

are Chick-fil-A, Salsas, and Newk’s.

What are some fun things to do in Clinton

on the weekends?

I love going to the soccer and baseball fields

watching my students play. We also love all the

unique and fun shopping markets we have

during the holidays.

Share some things you enjoy doing in your

spare time.

In my spare time, I love spending time with my

family whether that is going to a game in

Oxford or Starkville or spending time at my

grandmother’s house surrounded by family.

What are three things on your bucket list?

Travel to Greece. See Garth Brooks in concert.

And attend the Olympics.

Who is someone you admire and why?

I greatly admire my grandmother, Doris

Lepard. She embodies everything a good

southern woman should. She puts God and

her family first. She cooks some of the most

amazing meals. She is a friend to all and helps

anyone in any way that she can. She is giving

of her time and energy and never expects

anything in return.

Where do you see yourself ten years

from now?

I hope to still be teaching at Northside

Elementary.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

One of my favorite memories as a child

was being in Mrs. Wilson’s first grade class.

She was so loving and inspired me to want

to be a teacher.

If you could give us one encouraging

quote, what would it be?

But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man

this is impossible, but with God all things are

possible.’ Matthew 19:26

What is your favorite thing about

Hometown Magazines?

I love that Hometown Magazine brings to

life the amazing things happening our town.


20 • AUGUST 2021

CCA Warriors

DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT

August 13 7:00 pm Away Hillcrest

August 20 7:00 pm Away Central Holmes

August 27 7:00 pm Home Amite School Center

September 3 7:00 pm Away ACCS

September 10 7:00 pm Away Carroll

September 17 7:00 pm Home Benton

September 24 7:00 pm Home Riverfield

October 1 7:00 pm Away St. Aloysius

October 8 7:00 pm Home Canton Academy

October 15 7:00 pm Home Tri County Academy


22 • AUGUST 2021

Feels Like Family

Amy Bambera

Clinton Christian Academy has been an answer to prayer in

so many ways, but the truth is, we never meant to send our

children there.

We always intended for them to be homeschooled. I am

a teacher, and, having had 15 years of teaching under my belt,

I was excited about homeschooling our own two girls while

we focused on our ministry at Celebrate Church. I taught

Madeleine, the oldest, her preschool years and was gearing up

for K5, but we ran into a roadblock. She didn’t believe me.

Whatever I was trying to teach her, she was determined that

the answer lay in the opposite direction.

I tried to convince her that I had plenty of experience and

that Mommy knew what she was talking about, but to no avail.

Round and round we went, until finally my husband and I

began looking for schools.

Although Clinton has excellent public schools, my husband

Dexter and I knew that we wanted our girls to be a part of a

school that focused on educating the whole child: academically

and spiritually. As pastors and Christians, we take our role of

raising our children for the Lord seriously. But we also knew

that if we weren’t homeschooling, the majority of their day

would be spent in a school environment. We wanted to ensure

that the environment would be one to point them to Christ and

support what we were already teaching at home.

From the first time we toured Clinton Christian Academy,

we knew that it was an answer to this prayer. Touring that day,

we just got a sense of hopefulness and joy from everyone we met.

Every teacher that we passed was smiling - genuinely smiling

like they enjoyed their job! And the admissions counselor at the

time, Marie Brooks, fairly shone with her love for the Lord and

for CCA. As we got back into the car that day, I remember

telling my husband that I wanted my child to be in an atmosphere

that brought the joy that I saw in the people at CCA.

So Madeleine started kindergarten that fall.

Through the years since, we have become a full-fledged CCA

family! The year after my oldest daughter started CCA, I was

invited to apply for a teaching position there. I started teaching

K4 that year. The next year, I was asked if I would consider

moving up to teach sixth grade as the current sixth grade teacher

at the time would be moving into administration. I was terrified.

I had never taught anything over first grade! I was afraid those

big kids wouldn’t listen to me or that the curriculum would be

too difficult for me to teach. But after much prayer and encouragement

from the administration, I decided to give it a try.

It is amazing what God can do if we will just step out in faith.

I would have never imagined myself teaching older students, but

teaching sixth grade at CCA has been one of the most rewarding

experiences of my life.

What we have found at Clinton Christian Academy is more

than we ever could have imagined. It all began with one little girl

starting kindergarten but has resulted in us all finding a place to

call home.

When asked what they like about CCA, most parents say that

it feels like family - it IS family. Friday night football games with

the adults sitting and visiting in the twilight, and the children

playing under the big oak trees feels like a family reunion. More

than one personal tragedy has touched our lives during our years

at CCA, and our CCA family has walked with us every step of

the way. I know that every teacher, every other parent, and every

administrator is looking out for my children. My girls have been

loved by their teachers and influenced forever by them. I have

found a community of teachers who not only love their job, but

who love each other. We pray together, do Bible studies during

the summer together, and are deeply committed to each other

both professionally and personally.

As we look into the future, I am excited for CCA. That sense

of joy and hope that we felt on our first day of touring is still

pervasive as the school expands to accommodate a growing

enrollment and to provide better opportunities for its students.

As for our family, I am reminded of Proverbs 16:9, “The

heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

We thought homeschooling was the answer for our family,

but God had other plans. Better plans. God had a home waiting

for us at CCA.

Amy Bambera teaches sixth grade at Clinton Christian Academy

and has been on staff there for seven years. She and her husband pastor

Celebrate Church in Clinton.


24 • AUGUST 2021

Clinton Arrows


August 26 7:00 pm Away Ocean Springs

September 3 7:00 pm Home NWR

September 10 7:00 pm Away Brandon

September 24 7:00 pm Home Germantown

October 1 7:00 pm Away Starkville

October 8 7:00 pm Home Madison Central

October 15 7:00 pm Home Oxford

October 22 7:00 pm Away Grenada

October 29 7:00 pm Home Tupelo

November 4 7:00 pm Away Murrah


26 • AUGUST 2021

Superintendent

Andy Schoggin

Robert Chapman

The Clinton Public School District will start the 2021-2022

school year with a new superintendent. Dr. Andy Schoggin

becomes the sixth superintendent since the Clinton Public

School District became an independent school district in 1970.

Dr. Schoggin comes to Clinton after serving as the assistant

superintendent and chief operations officer with the Petal

School District where he was responsible for day-to-day

leadership and oversight of several key areas for that district.

“Our family is excited about this opportunity in Clinton,”

Dr. Schoggin said. “When you look at successful communities

and successful schools, Clinton is a shining star in the state.

It’s evident that the schools are important to the community

and the school district.”

Dr. Schoggin said he and his family are excited about joining

the school district and meeting new people in the community.

“We also are looking forward to continuing to meet and exceed

the expectations of the community and the quality of life.”

A graduate of Bruce High School, Dr. Schoggin earned his

Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Mississippi.

He completed his Master of Educational Leadership at Delta

State University and his Doctor of Education from William

Carey University.

Dr. Schoggin was a classroom teacher in the Marshall County

School District and DeSoto County School District before

becoming an assistant principal in DeSoto County in 2005.

In 2011, he joined the Senatobia Municipal School District as

middle school and high school principal. In 2017, Dr. Schoggin

served the Tupelo Public School District as director of athletics

along with other administrative duties.

Dr. Schoggin’s wife, Monica, has a storied career teaching

special education. She previously served as department chair

at Petal High School and joins the special education team at

Clinton High School this year. Their son, Anderson, will attend

sixth grade at Lovett Elementary.

Clinton Public School District Board of Trustees member

Dr. Felicia Gavin said the challenge to lead the district rests in

the hands of Dr. Schoggin. “What will never change about the

Clinton Public School District is its resilience, adaptability,

and demand for excellence,” Dr. Gavin said. “Dr. Schoggin’s

ability to work with the many different constituencies that

superintendents have–the school board, parents, students,

teachers and other staff members and the public as a whole–

will be invaluable to our district.”

CPSD Board of Trustees President Derek Holmes pointed

out Dr. Schoggin’s track record of leadership during his time in

public education. “Dr. Schoggin has held leadership roles in

several of Mississippi’s top school districts,” Holmes said. “He

is poised to come into the Clinton Public School District and

progress the vision that has helped this district flourish over the

past 50 years. He’s got the desire and capability to show true

leadership, accepting our challenge of making this school district

even better than it already is.”

Dr. Matthew Dillon, Petal School District’s superintendent

said he’s excited for the opportunity in front of Dr. Schoggin,

knowing the Clinton Public School District has hired an

effective leader.

“He’s a great asset wherever he goes with great educational

knowledge. He cares about education and cares about people,”

Dr. Dillon said. “He’ll only get better as he moves forward in

this leadership position.”

“One critical role of a leader is the ability to transform vision

into reality,” Dr. Gavin added. “We are excited to work with

Dr. Schoggin this year as he executes the vision of CPSD into

reality.”


28 • AUGUST 2021

Educating

Students for Life

Bill Maner

Education in the 21st century requires more than just

the three R’s (reading, writing, and arithmetic). At Mt. Salus

Christian School we seek to “Educate students for life, not

just graduation” through a Christian worldview.

We are investing our time, resources, and curriculum into

a strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math)

and Art Program and developing leadership skills. Today’s

students need STEM and leadership skills to be prepared for

the changing world. It is important that students are prepared

to succeed in whatever areas God has uniquely designed and

gifted them.

Preparing students for life after graduation, whether that is

college or workforce, means students need to possess a variety

of skills such as creative and critical thinking, collaboration,

innovation, curiosity, determination, strong work ethic, and

altruism. We want to develop servant leaders that model

Christ, who came to serve and not be served. Our goal is to

give our students opportunities to develop and practice these

necessary skills during their time in school.

Mt. Salus provides a variety of opportunities for students to

grow and develop these skills through the elementary STEM

program, Student Government Association, National Honor

Society, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, athletics, as well as

various volunteer and service opportunities. At Mt. Salus

Christian School, we want every part of the educational

experience to be a part of developing our students for the

glory of God and His work.

National Honor Society

– emphasis on academic excellence and student service

Student Government Association

& National Honor Society

– volunteering cleaning up around the school

Chick-fil-A Leader Academy

– helps build student leaders with an emphasis on impact

through action. This year the 10th grade CFA students

hosted kids camps as a part of their impact project to

purchase a gaga pit for the MSCS students.

Chick-fil-A Leader Academy:

– Do Good December delivered gift baskets to

Clinton police and fire stations.

Summer STEM Camp

– Students studied how the ancient world–Romans, Greeks,

and Myans–contributed to math and science and their

contributions to sport–running, gymnastics, archery, etc.

Annual Christmas with the Arts

– Highlights K-12th grade visual and performing arts


30 • AUGUST 2021

Hinds Eagles


August 21 6:30pm Home East Central

September 2 6:30pm Away Coahoma

September 9 6:30pm Home Holmes

September 16 6:30pm Away Northeast Mississippi

September 23 6:30pm Home Mississippi Gulf Coast

September 30 7:00pm Away Jones College

October 7 6:30pm Home Copiah-Lincoln

October 14 7:00pm Away Southwest Mississippi

October 21 7:00pm Home East Central

October 28 7:00pm Away Pearl River


32 • AUGUST 2021

school of the arts

Registration now open!

Mississippi’s Premiere Christian Ballet School

balletmagnificat.com (601) 977-1001


34 • AUGUST 2021

– Written in third person by author Teena Welborn –

Mississippi Christian author Dr. Teena Welborn

is a retired educator. She has been married to Cliff

Welborn for 35 years and has raised three boys,

Allan, Ashlee, and Aaron.


Dr. Welborn graduated from Brandon High School in 1984.

After her boys entered public school, she decided to go back

to college and get a degree in education. She attended Hinds

Community College, The University of Southern Mississippi

where she received her degree in elementary education, and

Mississippi College receiving a doctorate in educational

leadership with a minor in counseling. Dr. Welborn taught

at Northside Elementary in the Pearl, Florence Elementary,

and Florence High School.

She was on the administrative team at Mendenhall Jr. High,

where she served as an assistant principal in the Simpson

County School District. While serving in this position, she

started having symptoms that were very unusual and that

no doctor in the area could diagnose—one of

which was for her eyes to remain completely

closed. She was sent to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville,

Florida. After more testing at one of the top-rated

hospitals in the country, the doctors determined

Dr. Welborn had Central Sensitization Syndrome

which would cause her to step away from her

much-loved career.

Before these symptoms took over her ability to

function normally, she was about to defend her

research, and receive her doctorate. In her opinion,

this would never happen. Everything was over as

far as furthering her unwavering passion and plans

of making positive changes for Mississippi in the

area of education. She had been serving on an

education advisory committee at the Mississippi

State Capitol under the direction of Rep. John Moore.

That would also have to end. In her mind, she would forever

be bound to a chair and helped by her husband. There would

be no driving or enjoying her grandchildren on the level she

had been used to in the past.

However, as she walked through the doors of the hospital

having to hold her husband’s arm, God and the doctors at Mayo

had new plans for her. While she wouldn’t be able return to

education, she would lead a better life with more function if

she would follow their strict daily plan. The goal was to open

her eyes back up and calm some of the symptoms.

Dr. Welborn, said, “Anyone that knows me knows I am not

a person that is disciplined in the area of taking care of myself,

physically or spiritually—so this would be a miracle if I could

actually conquer this!” She finally agreed to follow the daily

regimen of so called “getting better.”

Through this process, Dr. Welborn found out that even

though she was saved and baptized at Crossgates Baptist

when she was thirteen, she had been a baby Christian for

many years. Her growth with Him or in Him had not been

what it should have been. She said, “God and I have become

best buds! It was the only way I could deal with the symptoms

and make it through the day. When you cannot see to read His

word, you talk to Him a lot!”

After about six months of following Mayo’s advice, her eyes

started opening and symptoms started getting better. She will

never be fully back to normal again, and some days are still

spent on the couch or staying close to her husband. However,

on her good days she makes the best of them by getting out

and doing her favorite things like being involved in church,

hunting, fishing, and enjoying low-stress activities. They told

her that when she had good days, to hit the floor running!

The doctors said it was their goal to help build new pathways

in the brain and block out the bad ones that had occurred—

so it would all be up to her. She works hard on that every day

with much help from her Heavenly Father.

When Dr. Welborn was able to see enough to start reading

again, she went back to Mississippi College to discuss with

them the prospect of completing her doctorate. They were

able to accommodate her, and she completed her degree.

At that point, she knew the degree would never be used in a

professional setting, but she needed to complete it because

Mayo said, “You started it, you need to finish it. It will be good

for you.” So she did!

36 • AUGUST 2021

Also, with eyes gradually coming open, she wanted to

know more and more about God and His word, so she was

diving in more than ever. The more she read, the more

scriptures she kept coming across about parenting, children,

authority, and the enemy and how he wants to attack the

family unit and our children. If the enemy can get our next

generation and the next and the next, he has won.

She felt for two years God was telling her to write a book

about her experiences as a parent, an educator, and what

she was finding in His word. She told God, she was not a

writer, had always struggled in that area, could not speak

about the book to promote the message, and with all the

symptoms (short term memory loss, not being able to

create full sentences some days, and totally disoriented

on other days), that was NOT going to happen.

But He wouldn’t leave her alone. She finally agreed to

start putting information on paper and it eventually turned

into Raising Whosoevers to be the Heart of our Schools.

Dr. Welborn admits it is not the best written book on

the market, but she believes it has a powerful message for

parents in today’s world that are struggling with raising their

children in a time when the enemy is attacking them and

the family unit. She believes it is also support for those

parents making the right decisions for their children and

feeling like they are alone in raising them using biblical

truths.

Dr. Welborn feels this was God’s plan to get a message

to parents, and she will continue to follow his plan. She

believes that if it is His plan, He will make it happen on His

time. She said, “And He will take care of me in the process.”

She also admits, “I no longer fight against what God wants

for my life or the message he wants sent, whether I am

doubting myself or not.”

Raising Whosoevers to be the Heart of our Schools can

be purchased at Impression Books in Flowood, Milestone

Christian bookstore in Pearl, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

Dr. Welborn is also available for parenting conferences that

are great for local churches. Please contact her at

tlmwelborn13@gmail.com.

This is a scriptural- and experienced-based book

about how to put much more love, peace, and

joy back into your daily family life, yes, even

while raising your children. With all the chaos

in everyday life of parents and children, we need

answers! It is very possible to have more enjoyment

more often if you follow God’s plan for

raising your children. It is simple and not at all

difficult. It’s straightforward. This is not a book

that puts things lightly, and it is not politically

correct. This book is strictly God’s plan for

raising strong, successful, and godly children.

Most importantly, it teaches you and your child

to see the enemy coming a mile away. He comes

to kill, steal and destroy, and your family and

children are his number one concern! There is

information in this book about how parents

should interact with their children and school

staff to have the most success and pleasant

academic experience. Some of the topics

discussed in the book are about what God says

about being a parent, the devil’s attacks on the

family, discipline at home and how it carries to

the schools, and how to be a good example for

your children as well as the community without

being arrogant or overbearing. God is love and

always will be. God should never by portrayed

as haughty. Do not follow how to raise your

children by watching your friends, even some

of your church friends, or the people who claim

to be Christians, if they are not following biblical

standards. It is so simple. It is the devil causing

confusion and chaos, not God. He is peace, love,

and joy. This book will tell you how to have all

of this in your family if you really want that for

your children.


38 • AUGUST 2021

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SALUTE

to First Responders

Why did you decide to be a fireman?

I grew up around the fire service. My dad and two of my uncles

were firemen.

How long have you been with the Clinton Fire Department?

In January, I will have been with Clinton Fire for 20 years.


I have a 20-year-old daughter who’s currently in the radiology

program at Hinds, and a 16-year-old son that will be a junior at

Clinton High this year.

What is the toughest thing you have experienced in your job?

During my time on this department, we’ve lost two of our own.

It’s never easy to lose a fellow firefighter and friend.

Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.

I try to stay pretty active! I take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing

classes at No Limit Combatives here in Clinton. I’m also a music

nerd and mediocre guitar player and I love to cook for my family.

What are three things on your bucket list?

I want to skydive, travel to Europe, and retire and travel the country

in a camper.

Captain

Justin

HALES

Who is someone you admire and why?

My grandfather. He was a very intelligent man. He passed down

wisdom that still helps me to this day.

If you could give one piece of advice to a young person,

what would it be?

Get out of your comfort zone. It’s not as safe as you think.

What is your favorite thing about Clinton?

Olde Towne! The history that it has and the growth that continues

to have.

What is your favorite thing about Hometown Magazines?

It shines a light on people and places you may not know about.

CLINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Taylor Carter of Brookhaven is

headed to the University of Southern

Mississippi for a degree in biology

and an eventual career as a

dermatologist.

Rodric McClain got out of the car to take a photo

of his best friend, Tia Denise Cook of Jackson.

40 • AUGUST 2021


Hometown

White Chocolate Mocha

• ¾ cup whole milk, or low-fat

• 3 Tbsp. white chocolate chips

• ½ cup brewed coffee

• 1 tsp. sugar, optional

• 2 Tbsp. whipped cream,

for garnish

• Dash ground nutmeg, for garnish

Add milk and chocolate chips to

a pot. Whisk together on mediumlow

heat, until the chocolate has

been incorporated and the sauce is

smooth. Meanwhile, brew a half cup

of your favorite coffee or espresso

and pour into a cup or mug. Pour

the white chocolate milk sauce over

the coffee and stir in any additional

sugar, if desired. Top with whipped

cream a light dusting of ground

nutmeg. Serve and enjoy!

Whipped Coffee

• 2 Tbsp. hot water

• 2 Tbsp. sugar

• 2 Tbsp. instant coffee powder

• milk and ice

Add hot water, sugar, and

instant coffee to a bowl. Hand

whisk or use an electric mixer

until the mixture is fluffy and light.

To serve, spoon a dollop over a cup

of milk with ice in it and stir.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

• 1 cup milk

• 2 Tbsp. pumpkin puree

• 1 Tbsp. sugar

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp. ground ginger

• ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

• ⅛ tsp. ground cloves

• ½ tsp. vanilla extract

• ½ cup brewed espresso,

or strongly brewed coffee

• 2 Tbsp. sweetened whipped cream

Add pumpkin puree, sugar,

cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves,

vanilla and espresso to a small pot.

Bring to a simmer on medium-low

heat and whisk occasionally until

pumpkin puree has been incorporated

and the sugar and spices

dissolve. Add milk to a second pot

or a microwave safe jar and heat just

enough to warm through. Whisk

milk vigorously until it begins to

foam or froth. If you have a milk

frother wand, you may use this to

create the foam desired. Pour the

hot coffee mixture into a mug and

then pour in the frothy milk. Top

with whipped cream and a dash

of cinnamon, if desired.

Iced Coffee

• 1 cup coffee, at room temperature

• 2 Tbsp. half and half,

or more, to taste

Simple Syrup

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 cup water


Combine sugar and water in a

medium saucepan over medium

heat, stirring until the sugar has

dissolved. Let cool completely and

stir in vanilla extract; set aside in

refrigerator until ready to serve.

Serve coffee over ice with half and

half and simple syrup, adding one

teaspoon at a time, to taste.

Frappuccino

• 12 oz. fluid very strong brewed

coffee or espresso, chilled

• 8 oz. fluid whole milk

(more to taste)

• ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• ¼ cup chocolate syrup

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• Whipped cream

• ¼ cup half-and-half (optional)

42 • AUGUST 2021

Vanilla Frappuccino

Combine coffee, milk, sweetened

condensed milk, and vanilla to a

blender. Add ice and blend until

smooth and icy. (Add half-and-half

for richer and creamier Frappuccino.)

Serve with whipped cream on top.

Mocha Frappuccino


condensed milk, vanilla, and

chocolate syrup to a blender.

Add ice and blend until smooth and

icy. (Add half-and-half if you’d like it

to be a little richer and creamier.)

Serve with whipped cream on top.

Mocha Chip Frappuccino


condensed milk, vanilla, chocolate

syrup, and chocolate chips to a

blender. Add ice and blend until

smooth and icy, with tiny chocolate

bits throughout. (Add half-and-half if

you’d like it to be a little richer and

creamier.) Serve with whipped cream

on top, and drizzle the whipped

cream with chocolate syrup or dot

with more chocolate chips.

Chocolate Comfort Cake

• 1 package dark chocolate cake mix

• 1 package (3.9 oz.) instant

chocolate pudding mix

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 cup sour cream

• ¾ cup canola oil

• ¾ cup brewed coffee

• ½ cup sugar

• 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter

• 4 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

• 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate,

chopped

In a large bowl, combine the first

seven ingredients; beat on low speed

for 45 seconds. Beat on medium for

two minutes. Pour into a well-greased

10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 350°

until a toothpick inserted near the

center comes out clean, approximately

50-55 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes

before removing from pan to a wire

rack to cool completely.

In top of a double boiler, melt butter

and chocolate. Stir occasionally until

mixture is glossy and smooth.

Drizzle over cake.

Apple Nutmeg Coffee Cake

• 3 Tbsp. butter, cubed

• 2 cups chopped peeled Gala apple

• ½ cup packed brown sugar,

divided

• ¼ cup brewed coffee

• ⅔ cup canola oil

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 large egg plus 1 large egg white,

room temperature


• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp. salt

• ½ tsp. baking soda

• ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

For the drizzle:

• ⅓ cup brewed coffee

• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

• 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar

Preheat oven to 375°. In a 10-inch

cast iron or other ovenproof skillet,

melt butter over low heat. Add apple

and ¼ cup brown sugar. Cook and

stir until crisp-tender, about five

minutes. Stir in coffee; remove from

heat. In a large bowl, beat oil, sugar,

egg, egg white, vanilla and remaining

¼ cup brown sugar until well

blended. In another bowl, whisk

flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda

and nutmeg; gradually beat into oil

mixture. Gently spread over apple

mixture. Bake until a toothpick

inserted in center comes out clean,

18-22 minutes. Cool on a wire rack

10 minutes.

Meanwhile, for drizzle, in a small

saucepan, bring coffee and cream to

a boil; cook until liquid is reduced to

¼ cup, 10-12 minutes. Remove from

heat; stir in confectioners’ sugar. Let

stand 10 minutes. Drizzle over cake.

Java Muffins

• ¼ cup butter, softened

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

• ½ cup buttermilk

• ½ cup strong brewed coffee

• 1 Tbsp. instant coffee granules


• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup whole wheat flour

• 1½ tsp. baking powder

• ½ tsp. baking soda

• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp. salt

• ½ cup finely chopped pecans,

divided

Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl,

beat butter and brown sugar until

crumbly, about 2 minutes. Add eggs

and mix well. Beat in applesauce. In a

small bowl, whisk buttermilk, coffee,

coffee granules and vanilla until

granules are dissolved; gradually add

to butter mixture. In another bowl,

whisk flours, baking powder, baking

soda, cinnamon and salt. Add to

butter mixture; stir just until moistened.

Fold in ¼ cup pecans. Coat 12 muffin

cups with cooking spray or use paper

liners; fill three-fourths full. Sprinkle

with remaining pecans. Bake 15-20

minutes or until a toothpick inserted

in center comes out clean. Cool 5

minutes before removing from pan

to a wire rack. Serve warm.

Café Mocha Cookies

• 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened

• 1½ cup dark brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 eggs


• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups bread flour

• 4 tsp. cornstarch

• 2 tsp. baking soda

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1½ heaping Tbsp. coffee

grounds, fine or coarse

• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line

baking sheets with parchment paper

or silicone baking mats. In a large

bowl, add flours, cornstarch, baking

soda, salt, and coffee grounds. Whisk

to combine. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted

with the paddle attachment, cream

together butter and sugars for two

minutes until light and fluffy. Then

add in the eggs and vanilla extract

and beat for 2 more minutes. Slowly

add in the flour mixture and mix until

all combined and well-incorporated.

Using a spatula, fold in the mini

chocolate chips. Bake for 11-13

minutes. They will look super soft but

they continue cooking after removing

from the oven. Let cool on baking

sheet for five minutes before moving

to a wire rack to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container.

Coffee Granola

• 1½ pounds rolled oats (7½ cups)

• ½ cup finely ground coffee

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup rye flour

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, frozen

• ¾ cup dark porter

• ¼ cup unsulfured molasses

Preheat oven to 350. Line two large

rimmed baking sheets with

parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss

the rolled oats with the coffee, both

sugars, both flours and the salt. Using

a box grater, shred the frozen butter

into the bowl, then toss to mix. Stir in

the porter and molasses until evenly

coated. Spread the mixture on the

prepared baking sheets. Bake for

about 30 minutes, stirring every 8-10

minutes, until golden and nearly

crisp. Let cool completely, stirring

occasionally. Granola can be stored

in an airtight container for up to

three weeks.


44 • AUGUST 2021


If

These

Walls

Could

Talk

Mary Ann Kirby

46 • AUGUST 2021

My husband and I have started

a “side-hustle.” We buy homes,

fix them up, and rent them out.

It’s been fun, for the most part,

in that we’ve yet to experience

anything bigger than what we

could handle (knock on wood).

Our most recent project involved a

home that had been foreclosed upon and

remained uninhabited for years. The first

day I walked in it I felt oddly comfortable–

despite its dank and dustiness.

It had wallpaper on every vertical

surface throughout–and if it wasn’t the

exposed pattern of burnt orange, cerulean

blue, and avocado floral, it was painted-

over wallpaper. There was a phone jack in

the bathroom and remnants of shag carpet

around the tub. The décor would have

been a cross between a 1974 Sears and

Roebuck catalogue and Elvis’s Graceland.

Images begin to flash through my mind

as I pictured a beanbag ashtray on “her”

side of the bathroom vanity (as evidenced

by a conspicuous burn mark on the

cultured marble), alongside a can of Aqua

Net and a jar of Dippity-do setting gel.

There would have also been a drawer full

of combs and hairnets, a nylon-bristle

hairbrush, bobby pins, and rollers. Early on,

there would have been a rattan vanity

stool that would have tucked neatly under

the countertop and single cosmetic

drawer—that was, at some point, replaced

with a miss-matched woodgrain and a faux

cabinet door.

On a little brass tray next to a hand-held

mirror would have been a nearly-empty

bottle of Shalimar, a round box of Yardley

Red Roses dusting powder, and a tube of

Charles of the Ritz lipstick in Red Pencil—

and maybe a framed photograph, yellowed

from age and nicotine, of a young couple

descending the ramp of a cruise ship

wearing hats of straw and relaxed smiles.

The kitchen was a combination of

almond-colored built-in appliances and

yards and yards of real-wood cabinets.

That kind of storage space was a definite

departure from the home that this former

dweller once grew up in. Formica was all

the rage, too, and linoleum flooring

assured that a decorative pattern would

show underfoot as well.


no

cable,

no

internet,

no

cell

phones...

As the seasons changed, so did the

dish towels and pot holders. I’m sure the

lady of the house had sets themed to

match every holiday.

The Merry Mushroom dinnerware

pattern and matching vinyl placemats

made cleaning her plate of a tomato and

bacon sandwich even more satisfying

while watching Days of Our Lives on

the remote-controlled color TV, perched

on a rolling cart in the corner. And the

macramé owl plant hanger at the kitchen

sink window allowed for the Devil’s Ivy

to trail all atop the cabinets.

Oh yes, this place definitely had flair, it

was just hard to see in its current condition.

The irony is that when it comes to home

design by decade, architects of the ‘70s

were clearly ahead of their time. Open

floor plans are easily the single most

requested layout by homebuyers today–

and our little fixer-upper could have just

as easily been built within the last fifteen

years, as it was four decades ago.

So we decided to bring everything up

to the current millennium with neutral

paint. Various shades of gray would be

used throughout the whole house.

Wallpaper came down and flooring was

ripped out. It was the first time we had

ever embarked upon a project of this

magnitude and my initial thought was

to just completely gut it.

But as the walls started to come to life

with new color, I found myself wanting to

preserve the history and integrity of what

remained. I began to clean the cabinets

versus painting them. They are fabulous

real-wood cabinets that are original to

the house and in impeccable shape.

Buckets of nicotine-tinged water would

be poured out over and over until the

cabinets eventually washed clean. Some

Murphy’s Oil Soap and wood wax brings

them back to life in a way that is absolutely

miraculous. It was as if I could hear them

breathe new life. I even kept the antique

brass hardware.

We pulled the shag carpet off the

original architectural open riser staircase

to find unpainted and untreated wood

steps secured with exposed industrial

brass nuts and bolts. There’s no way to

put a value on the amount of style this

staircase brings to the property. I’d go on

to stain the steps to match the wood that

surrounds them.

And then I envision the lady of the

house descending those stairs in her

amazing silk caftan, ready to welcome

her guests for a Saturday night dinner

party. Cocktails would be served in gold

and green Moroccan foiled rocks glasses

and the voice of Neil Diamond would be

coming from the eight-track player. They

would enjoy a highly-spirited evening as

she served her guests stuffed olives and

crackers, before dinner, on a bamboo

serving tray. She loves to entertain.

There would be no cable, no internet,

no cell phones–just a wonderful night

spent amongst friends in this very stylish

home. And what they talk about is not

likely much different than what we talk

about today–it’s just a different date on

the calendar. She has a heart of harvest

gold and is enjoying the freedoms this

new decade brings with it. They say the

more things change, the more they stay

the same. She’ll never actually know how

true that is.

Today, I put the finishing touches on

our remodeling project. I’ve bonded

with the property in a way that is hard

to explain. Maybe it’s my overactive

imagination. Maybe it’s because I enjoy

knowing that it will continue to bring joy

to those that live there. At least I hope it

does. Because if one ounce of the love

I’ve put into restoring it manages to find

its way into the hearts and minds of her

new tenants, I will consider it a most

successful transformation. l

48 • AUGUST 2021


Hometown Rankin • 49

TheTime COIN

Camille Anding

Three mothers saw the same digital face

as they looked at the wake-up time.

This was the day that had come too quickly. They

weren’t’ ready, but the clock’s hands never slowed or

ticked backward. The day was here.

Abby stroked her daughter’s golden hair that lay

tousled on her pillow. “Wake up! It’s school day. You’re a

first grader today!” Abby tried to sound excited and

cheery, but the knot in her stomach reminded her that

this beloved, priceless child was no longer a preschooler

but a student and would be one for many more years.

Would her teacher be sensitive to this precious child?

Would her daughter make friends quickly? Would there be

a bully in her class? Abby wished for more time. There

was so much more she wanted her daughter to know.

Doris had to wake her teenage son a second time.

“Don’t be late for the first day of school, son. Middle

school will have tighter rules with more

responsibilities. You know how some of

your older friends have talked about

middle school adjustments.”

As the apple of her eye shuffled off to the bathroom,

Doris longed for a sign from God that her son would make

wise choices, choose good friends, and make his best

effort in his classes. There would be so many choices for

him. If only she had more time where she could stress

more of what she knew he would need.

Why did “Pomp and Circumstance” come to Jan’s mind

as she heard her daughter’s phone alarm? The first day

of her senior year! Couldn’t be!! Time had turned enemy

on her. Jan knew this year would pass in a whirlwind of

senior activities. College would soon occupy her daughter’s

thoughts, but Jan refused to allow moving away to

college to fog the future. Today she must deal with the

senior year that every high school senior anticipates. Her

daughter seemed too young for what lay ahead. Would

there be enough time in her senior year for more

instruction about life that was rushing toward her?

Three mothers – blessed with children of their own,

but each facing a new chapter – each one needing

wisdom, discernment, patience, strength and more time

– ALWAYS more time.

50 • AUGUST 2021

Best wishes to

all students for a

great school year!


Wealth.

What does it mean to you?

It’s not a one-size-fits-all word. One person’s

vision of prosperity is different from the next.

Mascagni Wealth Management isn’t a

one-size-fits-all firm. We are full-service

financial planners who value that each of our

clients come from different backgrounds, have

different family needs and life goals. Some of

our clients have been with us since we opened

our doors in 1988. That’s because we take the

time to get to know each person individually.

We will work with you to navigate life’s major

changes – from new careers to retirement,

marriage or divorce, to planning for your family

or caring for aging parents. Whether you are

just embarking on your journey or starting to

see the benefits of a road well-traveled, contact

us today to map a course for your financial and

investment needs.

205 E. Main Street • Clinton, MS

For a free initial consultation,

please call 601-925-8099 or visit

mascagniwealth.com

MASCAGNI WEALTH MANAGEMENT, INC. IS A REGISTERED

INVESTMENT ADVISER REGISTERED WITH THE UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

Clinton821web

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