Hometown Clinton - Fall 2015

The CHALKBOARD
CLINTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
CLINTON HIGH SCHOOL
Award-winning artist Anthony DiFatta
joins CHS faculty
Award-winning Mississippi artist Anthony DiFatta is joining
the faculty at Clinton High School. “Clinton High School has a
fantastic reputation, and the artistic community in Clinton
is one I’ve always admired,” he said. “I’m looking forward to
teaching there and tapping into the community resources for
my students.”
DiFatta began his career in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer,
Second Class at the National Science Foundation. After being
honorably discharged, he went to the University of Southern
Mississippi Teaching and Learning Resource Center where he
created posters and slides for faculty and illustrated an anthropology
textbook.
He worked in graphic design and illustration for Photo
Images in Jackson and MCI WorldCom, and for 10 years taught
art classes at Mississippi State Hospital. He taught AP Art at
Madison Central High School for three years, and most recently
was a graphic designer at CleanSlate Centers in Northampton,
Mass. “I have taught all ages and all types of people,” he said.
DiFatta holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University
of Southern Mississippi. Among his many awards and honors,
DiFatta was named James Stubbs Volunteer of the Year in 2008;
earned the Artist Volunteer Award from Jackson Mental Health
Association in 2007; was the Mississippi State Hospital Employee
of the Year in 2006; and was named Jacksonian of the Week
in September 2005.
“We’re excited to have an artist of Mr. DiFatta’s caliber
joining our faculty at CHS,” said Principal Anthony Goins. “Our
students will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best
artists and art teachers in Mississippi.”
56 • Fall 2015