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Clinton Christian Academy

FROM OUR PUBLISHER 

It seems like such a short time ago that I was shopping for school 

supplies with my kids, making school lunches, and packing snacks 

in their backpacks. 

I can remember the excitement (and sometimes anxiety) they had 

about that first day of school. Time always seemed to pass so slowly for 

me on their first day. I couldn’t wait to hear how the day had been, and 

how they liked their teachers. I can still recall the scent of new textbooks 

and boxes of crayons that our children used. How could it possibly be 

that many years ago? 

I flip through old school yearbooks and read notes left by friends 

years ago. It seems like such a short time that has passed. Now, when 

I see parents shopping with their children for new clothes and supplies, 

I find it difficult to conceive that we have a grandchild that will soon be 

entering kindergarten. How time has drifted me along in days that have 

been faster than I ever dreamed and turned them into years. 

We could huddle in a corner with nostalgia, but that would be a 

waste of time. Instead, we need to be investing in the lives of others – 

especially our students, teachers and school administrators who are 

facing another year in pursuit of education. They need our prayers and 

encouragement. 

This back-to-school issue features each of our wonderful schools in 

Clinton. There are so many positive things happening, and we’re happy 

to share some of those things with you. We trust you will enjoy reading 

Hometown Clinton and please continue to appreciate and support our 

advertisers who help make this possible. 

PUBLISHER & EDITOR 

Tahya Dobbs 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 

Barbie Bassett 

LAYOUT DESIGN 

Daniel Thomas 

3dt 

HOMETOWN STAFF 

CFO 

Kevin Dobbs 

SPECIAL PROJECTS 

ASSISTANT 

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SPECIAL PROJECTS 

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ADVERTISING 

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Melissa Kennon 

IN THIS ISSUE 

The Way We Were 6 

Reader Spotlight 9 

A Love Story for the Books 10 

Lessons from the Field 15 

Clinton Schools 29 

Hometown Family 48 

A Cheer Legacy 54 

Tailgate Recipes 58 

Salute to First Responders 62 

The Time Coin 66 

...see you around town. 

www.facebook.com/hometownclintonmagazine. For subscription information visit www.htmags.com or contact us at info@HTMags.com / 601.706.4059 / 200 Felicity Street / 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. 

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Paula & Danny DeYoung 

Camille Anding 

Childhood friends as well as 

As they grew into high school 

State, and Danny was on a soccer 

stepped up to her, took a knee and 

adult friends are special parts of 

friends, they found their friend- 

scholarship at Dordt University in 

presented her with that special 

our lives, but to have both in the 

ship to be so special they wanted 

Sioux City, Iowa. As he pulled out 

little box. She, along with all the 

same individual is definitely a bonus. 

to protect it. Romantic interests 

of his drive on his way to his junior 

swimmers that were spectators, 

Paula and Danny DeYoung are 

were out of the question due to 

year at Dordt, he turned around, 

was thrilled! Paula remembers 

two that qualify for that bonus list. 

those kinds of relationships 

realizing it would be a mistake to 

that her boss suggested she just 

Danny lived in 1008 Laurelwood 

possibly becoming a potential for 

be that far away from the girl/ 

take the rest of the day off because 

Drive in Clinton when the Barlows 

ending friendships. 

friend that had become much 

her new fascination with her 

moved in next door at 1010. 

Even though Paula remembers 

more to him. 

engagement ring was putting 

Danny, who was the youngest of 

having a crush on her good looking, 

Paula transferred to Louisiana 

potential drowners in real danger! 

six children, found it easy to make 

blonde neighbor, she went to 

Tech her sophomore year, so Danny 

On July 2, 1988 at Wildwood 

friends, so when Paula became his 

homecoming with Danny’s best 

also transferred to the same college. 

Baptist Church, the couple said 

next door neighbor, a childhood 

friend. By high school days, Danny 

Their dating resumed as romance 

their vows. It was a blistering 

friendship began. 

was appreciating Paula’s physical 

deepened their friendships to the 

101-dgree day, and Danny was 

The two describe a retaining 

beauty. But he, too, wanted to 

“forever after” kind. 

sweating profusely. However it 

wall of brick separating their two 

maintain their close friendship 

Their engagement story is rather 

wasn’t from the heat wave but the 

yards, and it was sitting on that 

by keeping it just that. 

unique. They worked as lifeguards 

fever from the strep throat that 

wall that a meaningful relationship 

It wasn’t until breaks from their 

at the YMCA during their summers 

had joined him that morning. His 

took root. “We could talk about 

college days that Danny suggested 

at home, and while Paula was seated 

fever reading was higher than the 

anything,” Paula recalls. “And we 

to Paula that they have a date. She 

at her poolside watch, Danny, who 

outside thermometer. 

would often talk ‘til midnight,” 

was a freshman at Mississippi 

was not on duty at the time, 

Danny added. 

6 • AUGUST 2023

“ Set aside time 

with each other 

and learn how 

to listen.” 

Paula called her mother on the 

Danny answered, “She’s always 

The DeYoungs are parents to 

Paula is employed with Alliant 

way to their honeymoon destina- 

been beautiful and friendly, and 

four grown kids—three sons, 

Construction, a business unit of 

tion at Jekyll Island and explained 

we’ve always had a lot in common. 

Garrett, Tanner and Carsson, 

Ergon, as director of preconstruc- 

the condition of her very ill, new 

And, she taught me how to hunt 

and a daughter Callen. Getting 

tion and business relationships 

husband. Her mom made some 

and fish!” 

together as a family is still an 

and arrives home each evening 

calls, and soon a medication was 

They continued with advice 

integral part of all their lives. It 

about the same time as Danny 

at their disposal. 

for newlyweds: Set aside time with 

began as a pattern these parents 

who is employed as a nurse at the 

Danny vividly remembers 

each other and learn how to listen. 

made a priority – to have their 

VA hospital. Their household 

eating peeled grapes and 

Paula added, “We are Christians, 

evening meal together around 

duties are already laid out. Danny 

chocolate shakes until the last 

so it’s obvious how we view our 

their table. Sports participation 

has always loved to cook, even 

evening of their honeymoon. 

marriage. But wives, don’t think your 

made some meals late, but that 

as a kindergartener he grilled 

Paula remembers it, too! 

husbands can read your minds— 

“together” pattern took precedence. 

hamburgers for his kindergarten 

When questioned about the 

they can’t. Learn to communicate!” 

Danny and Paula give her mom 

friends. So Danny prepares the 

particular characteristics that 

Both saw forgiveness as a 

credit for their kids’ early child- 

evening meal while Paula works 

made these two be drawn to each 

necessary key to a successful 

hood learning due to Paula’s mom 

the cleanup and household chores. 

other, Paula answered first. “He 

marriage. 

helping them raise their kids and 

It’s a choice that works 

was and is the kindest and most 

Paula also remembers the 

using her teaching skills to invest 

beautifully for these two, along 

compassionate person. He’s super 

advice her dad gave her before 

in her grandchildren. “She taught 

with so many other marriage 

cute and super sweet!” 

marrying Danny: Don’t ever say 

them discipline along with their 

choices. But that’s the bonus when 

the “D” word. 

early academics.” 

you marry your best friend. 


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READER 

SPOTLIGHT 

Lynne 

WATERBURY 

_________________________ 

Why did you decide to make Clinton 

your home? 

I met my husband, Bobby, at Mississippi College. 

We liked the small college-town feel and decided to 

stay and make our home here. I was from Vicksburg 

and Bobby was from Gulfport. I taught junior high 

school math and pre-algebra for the majority of my 

43 years of teaching in Clinton. After I retired from 

Clinton Junior High, I taught part time seven years 

at Clinton Christian Academy. 

How long have you lived in Clinton? 

Fifty years ago in August I came to MC and never 

left Clinton. 

Tell us about your family. 

Bobby and I have been married over 46 years. He 

sold medical supplies for many years. He has had a 

sports facility for softball in Clinton and recently 

relocated outside of Clinton. We have two 

daughters, Jenny and Katie. Both grew up here and 

graduated from Clinton High School. Jenny is a 

second-grade teacher at MRA. Katie is a CPA and 

partner at Haddox Reid. They gave us three fun 

blessings with their boys. We spend lots of weekends 

at the baseball fields juggling to get in as many of 

their ballgames as we can. Our oldest grandson has 

no siblings, so his cousins are like his brothers. He 

calls me to ask if it’s a good weekend for all the boys 

to come over. That’s always a good weekend! Since 

I’ve retired, I’m more likely to pick them up after 

school and attend school functions and recognitions 

during the day for them or take them to their 

practices after school. We like to take the boys out to 

eat for lunch in the summer. 

What is your favorite memory of living 

in Clinton? 

My favorite memories of Clinton will always include 

going back to school after summer break and 

meeting new students. Bobby always said he could 

tell when it was time for me to go back because I 

started missing it. I loved when former students 

grew up and came back to teach in my school. I 

loved being a part of the kids’ lives that I taught. I 

also loved softball games at Traceway. I enjoyed 

taking pictures for softball and baseball and Clinton 

Junior High football. Many people heard about me 

getting tackled at a football game on the sidelines at 

CCA while taking pictures. Physical therapists are 

my friends! I still prefer to be on the sidelines! 

Where are your three favorite places 

to eat in Clinton? 

303 Jefferson, Jamie’s, and T’Beaux’s shrimp on my 

back patio. 

What are some fun things to do in 

Clinton on the weekends? 

On the weekends at our house, if we’re not with the 

grandkids, I like to read and watch Hallmark 

movies. Bobby carves. Sometimes we ride our bikes. 

Share some things you enjoy doing in 

your spare time. 

I walk a couple of miles a day and like to ride my 

road bike when I can. I read a lot. I also go to many 

many baseball games. Getting together with 

longtime friends for lunch is a treat. And I make my 

brothers meet me for “Sibling Supper” often. 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

Two people I have admired are no longer with us. 

Kaye Jordan - I wanted to teach just like she did so 

that anyone could understand the material. And 

Nancy Cahill - I wanted to love all the children like 

she did, like they were my own and sent to me by 

God. The third person I admire is Bobby Waterbury. 

He has always set a good example and been a 

leader for others as a Christian man. He also was 

strong willed enough to live with me. 

Where do you see yourself ten years 

from now? 

I hope to be hiking in the mountains, riding my bike, 

and still going to baseball games. Hopefully with a 

beach trip thrown in every now and then. 

What is a favorite childhood memory? 

My childhood memories include playing outside 

with all the neighborhood kids and riding my bike. 

I liked to walk to the end of the street when it was 

time for my dad to come home and meet him to ride 

back home. 

If you could give us one encouraging 

quote, what would it be? 

Get up every day and plan to do great things and 

make a difference, and you will. 

What is your favorite thing about 

Hometown Magazines? 

Learning interesting things about other people in 

Clinton! 


A 

Love Story 

for the 

Books 

Melanie McMillan 

It was the spring of 2020, and high school seniors 

Jameson Cook and Abby McCoy had both been invited 

to Mississippi College for scholarship interviews. 

10 • AUGUST 2023

PHOTOS: Skylar Theriot & Kathy Sheffield 

The two were in a text group for incoming Mississippi College freshmen, and although 

Jameson had tried to connect with Abby, this was their first time to meet in person. “Abby’s 

picture immediately caught my eye on the class GroupMe, and I tried talking to her on social 

media, but she wasn’t interested initially,” says Jameson. However, as they waited for their 

respective appointment times that spring day, they struck up a conversation in the library. 

Jameson was smitten, but the timing wasn’t right. However, he saw he had a chance when 

Abby reached out to him on his birthday, May 19th. “That was a really busy day for me. 

I didn’t have time to look at texts or social media messages until late in the day. I was a little 

surprised, but excited, to see that Abby had wished me a happy birthday. I messaged her 

back and we struck up a conversation.” 


Two weeks later, Abby and Jameson connected 

through FaceTime and talked for seven hours. 

Jameson lived on the coast at the time and Abby 

was in Southaven, so traditional dating was a bit 

difficult, but they met for dinner twice and talked 

regularly. Jameson officially asked Abby to be his 

girlfriend one week before their freshman year at 

Mississippi College began. 

It didn’t take long for Jameson to know that 

Abby was the girl for him. “When I was in high 

school, my youth minister challenged us to make 

a list of everything we were looking for in a spouse,” 

Jameson says. “I actually made that list, and Abby 

was everything I could have ever wanted. Even 

better, she has qualities I didn’t have on the list, 

but should have. She is the perfect complement 

to me, she radiates joy, and she is a great example 

of God’s love.” It was clear that Abby was falling in 

love with Jameson as well. “The more I talked to 

Jameson,” Abby says, “the more I grew to know 

his heart, and the more I fell in love with him, 

the more I knew he was my best friend. Jameson 

loves me and others fiercely, and is everything 

I could want in a husband.” 

When Abby’s parents came to town in May 

of 2022 for an awards banquet at Mississippi 

College, Jameson asked Abby’s dad, Lee, for 

permission to marry his daughter. Unbeknownst 

to any of the family, the photographer taking 

pictures at the dinner that night snapped a photo 

of Lee and Jameson talking. When Abby saw the 

picture on social media, she asked Jameson about 

it. “It was really hard to keep a straight face when 

she asked me what her dad and I were talking 

about in the photo, but I just told her I didn’t 

really remember,” Jameson says. 

Fast forward to 2023, when Jameson began 

planning the perfect proposal. “The library at 

Mississippi College is special to us because it’s 

where we first met face to face,” says Jameson, 

“so I knew I wanted to propose to her there.” 

He enlisted the help of none other than Mississippi 

College President Dr. Blake Thompson. With 

the help of Dr. Thompson’s assistant, Jameson 

was able to get Abby to the college under the 

ruse that as a student ambassador, she had been 

selected to give a campus tour to a very prestigious 

alumnus. A fake birthday dinner for Jameson was 

also planned for after the tour, an excuse for the 

couple to get dressed up. “Abby ended up asking me 

to join her on the tour, so we drove over together 

and went to Dr. Thompson’s office,” Jameson 

says. “I excused myself to the restroom but 

instead went to the library steps. Dr. Thompson 

told Abby she had a big responsibility and 

needed to be on her ‘A game’ because of who the 

alumnus was. She quickly picked up on what was 

going on when she walked into Dr. Thompson’s 

office to see her dad, Lee, who is actually a 

graduate of Mississippi College School of Law.” 

12 • AUGUST 2023

Dr. Thompson, Lee, and Abby boarded a golf 

cart and drove to the library. Lining the street 

were dozens of friends and family members, 

each holding a rose which was presented to Abby 

as she passed. With her bouquet of roses, Abby 

climbed the steps of the library to meet Jameson, 

who knelt on one knee and asked her to be his 

wife. The happy couple celebrated that night at 

a party with family and friends. 

It’s been said that you don’t just marry a 

person, but also a family, which in the case of 

Abby and Jameson, is a perfect match. Jameson’s 

parents, Jay and Kristi Cook, and younger sister 

Amelia Rose, live in Canton. Interestingly, all 

three of them pointed out Abby to Jameson at 

the Mississippi College presidential dinner the 

day before the scholarship interviews and 

encouraged him to talk to her. Jameson laughs 

as he remembers that he had to tell them he 

had already tried, and she wasn’t interested. 

“As a mom I’ve prayed Jameson’s whole life 

for a godly wife,” says Kristi. “It was amazing 

how we all - Jay, myself and Amelia Rose - felt a 

connection to Abby before we even met her. 

We all saw her that night and just knew. We 

referred to her as ‘the girl in the striped pants’ 

for a long time after that. We know that God 

brought them together.” 

Lee and Leticia McCoy, Abby’s parents, live 

in Southaven and also have three sons, Cooper, 

Reese, and Luke. Jameson says the two families 

have become close and he is grateful for the 

future in-laws he’s been blessed with. 

Abby is working this summer as a counselor 

at Camp Rap-A-Hope in Alabama, a ministry 

for children with cancer. She is an elementary 

education major and her long term career goal 

is to teach at a children’s hospital. Jameson is 

preparing for the dental admission test and plans 

to pursue a career as a dentist. He was inaugurated 

this spring as the Mississippi College student 

body president. 

While it’s not unusual for couples to meet 

and fall in love in college, not many can say the 

president of their school participated in the 

proposal surprise, from setting up the meeting, 

driving the golf cart, and even sweeping the steps 

the night before. For Abby and Jameson, and 

their family and friends, it’s a memory that will 

always be special. 

“God is still teaching me things 

about Jameson and us as a couple,” 

Abby says. “But I know that if we 

keep trusting in Him, He will give 

us a strong marriage.” 


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14 • AUGUST 2023

Lessons 

____ 

from the ____ 

Field 

Few things generate the type of extreme excitement – 

often described as “religion” in the South – more than Football. 

We recently caught up with larry williams, john bland, T.C. Taylor, Will Hall, 

lane kiffin, & zach arnett for a Hometown Q&A, to find out what their days 

look like mere weeks leading up to kick-off. 


16 • AUGUST 2023

Coach John Bland 

What or who inspired you to become a coach? 

My dad (Dan Bland) was a football coach and coached me in high 

school. I learned so much from Dad as a player, but also as his 

son. I was also able to see the impact he had on his players’ lives 

as I was growing up–and I still see that today. 

What do you consider your greatest achievement or 

accomplishment and why? 

In football there are a few. As a player, being voted team captain at 

Arkansas when we won the Southwest Conference Championship 

was one. That made me very proud, mainly because my teammates 

voted for me, and I wasn’t the most talented player. But I worked 

extremely hard, on and off the field. As a coach, it was leading our 

team at Cumberlands to the national championship game. 

Winning games is hard, and to make it that far takes a great team 

effort, mentally and physically. It also takes great leadership. 

Is there a part of your job that you didn’t anticipate? 

At this level, coaches have to wear lots of hats. Coaching is only 

one. I grew up as a high school coach’s son and understood that 

no job is too small. You have to be ready to work every day. As 

football changes, especially at the college level, with the transfer 

portal and NILs, college coaches are adjusting and changing their 

philosophy with the times. 

What one piece of advice would you give a young person? 

If you want to be successful, you must have a positive attitude and 

a strong commitment every day. That’s easier said than done. 

What do you love most about Clinton? 

You find out real fast that there is lots of pride here in Clinton. 

Pride in the school systems, the academics, and the sports, from 

recreational leagues to the high school levels. I’ve seen more 

well-rounded people and students in Clinton than any other place 

or town. All three of my kids graduated from Clinton High and 

I couldn’t be prouder. The school system is second to none. I also 

love that Mississippi College is a major part of the atmosphere 

here in Clinton. 

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? 

I have been coaching for over 30 years and have found 

that some of the most rewarding things happen with the 

players I coached years ago. I am able to really understand 

the impact that I had on their lives as their coach. 

What is the typical day in the life of a college coach? 

During the season, we have a routine that revolves around 

preparing for games, watching films, planning practices, and 

preparing to be our best on Saturdays. Although recruiting is 

year-round for the most part, there is a time after the season that 

we spend more time on the road trying to find talented players 

and also ones who are a good fit for Mississippi College. As I learn 

and grow each year, I’ve found that I’m at my best as a coach 

when I prepare our players not only for gameday, but for every 

day, and especially the future. 

What is your favorite MC tradition? 

I have really been impressed with the Hall of Fame banquet– 

getting to see the best of all times here at MC and listen to them 

speak. There is a love for MC and their coaches that is hard to match. 

What’s your biggest win as a coach? 

Probably the semi-finals win in the national playoffs versus Carroll 

College. Carroll was easily the most decorated team in the nation 

at that time in the NAIA. Here at MC, there have been some big 

wins and they have been on homecoming events versus Delta 

State, West Georgia, and Valdosta State. The last two spoiled their 

homecoming, which is always nice. 

What is your favorite childhood sports memory? 

Watching my dad’s team in Tullahoma, Tennessee, make a run in the 

state playoffs to the semi-finals. It had such a big impact on my life. 

I learned about teamwork, mental toughness, and buying into a 

program. 

Who is MC’s biggest rivalry? 

Delta State 

What’s the most difficult thing about being a public figure? 

And what’s the most rewarding? 

I have a similar answer for both questions. Most people who are 

familiar with MC football know who I am and are watching my actions, 

on and off the field. There is pressure because of that. One of my 

goals as a coach and a parent is to be a good example to my 

players and my kids. Hopefully I’m the kind of man and 

coach that all MC football supporters are proud of. 

Who is your biggest fan? 

My wife Candis. She loves football and being a football 

coach’s wife. Come watch her on the sideline. You’ll see 

what I mean. 


18 • AUGUST 2023

Coach Larry Williams 

What made you decide to become a coach? 

Becoming a coach came from the influence of Coach Gray and 

Coach Jim Southward. They were a big staple in the decision to go 

into a coaching career. Coach Southward gave me my first coaching 

job at MDCC, and it all started there. From there, I worked my way 

here to Hinds CC as the defense coordinator. 

What do you love most about Hinds? 

The people I work with. From the office personnel to the coaching 

staff, we work as a family. I have a seasoned and capable athletic 

director, Nathan Werremeyer. I’m blessed to have a driven coaching 

staff and I’m covered by the best administration in the state. 

What is your favorite Hinds tradition? 

The night before the game when we meet as a team and talk about 

life–not football. 


Having to cut players. Every cut I have to make is personal to me. 

I want each athlete to follow their dream even if it can’t be realized 

on my field. 

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? 

Work hard, be honest to yourself, set achievable goals, and let 

nothing stop you from achieving them. 

Do you have a favorite childhood sports memory? 

When I was playing AAU basketball I hit the game winning shot to 

win the championship game for my team. 

How do you encourage your players to be better, both on and 

off the field? 

We bring speakers in once a week to speak on success, on and off 

the field. I try to bring in speakers that the kids can relate to–speakers 

who have gone down the same road my athletes are traveling. 


My first win against ICC as a head coach. 

What are your feelings about having more teams in the 

national play-offs? 

I think it will be great for the game. Get the best eight teams to play 

for it. 

What’s one of the most difficult things about being a public 

figure, and what is the most rewarding? 

I have to always watch my surroundings. I have to monitor where 

I allow myself to be and how I present myself even in my free time. 

Trying to be a positive influence in the lives of the players is 

sometimes difficult because I have to be on my guard at all times. 

What do you consider your greatest achievement or 

accomplishment, and why? 

Graduating from MSU and getting my master’s degree from MVSU 

because I wanted that for my parents. 


My wife, Dianne, my daughter Anastasia, and my seven sisters and 

brothers. They push and believe in me. Even when I’m unsure of 

myself, they believe in me, in who I am, and in my ability. 


20 • AUGUST 2023

Coach Lane Kiffin 


My father. I was just always around the game. I remember being 

a ball boy, sitting in meetings and seeing how someone who is 

not playing the game can impact the outcome of the game. It 

was very intriguing to me. 

What do you consider your greatest achievement/ 

accomplishment, and why? 

The ability to help take kids places that they can’t take themselves. 

It’s motivating them and teaching them. A kid may go 

first round while, if he had not come to us, he may have gone 

third round. It’s pushing a kid academically so he graduates. 

Even he might not realize how important it is until you see him 

ten years later and he thanks you for it. 


Until you become a head coach, you really don’t know everything 

that goes with it. As an assistant, I think I understood the 

football aspects of becoming a head coach but didn’t realize 

everything else–media fans, donors, etc. 

What do you love most about Oxford? 

The people. From the warm reception at the airport on the first 

day, everywhere you go is the excitement which comes with the 

SEC and how passionate the fan-base is of all ages. 

What is your favorite Ole Miss tradition? 

The Grove, from watching it and having experienced it three 

times on the other side. 

What is your biggest win as a coach? 

USC upset Oregon at the end of the 2011 season. Oregon was 

probably going to the national championship, and we actually 

knocked them out and knocked Alabama in. Coach Saban 

never thanked me for that. 

Where has been your favorite place to play and why? 

Alabama, having been on both sides home and away. 

When I went there with Tennessee, I was coming from the 

Pac 12 and LA, which has a very late arriving crowd in all 

sports. We play at Alabama, and I look in the stands 

30 minutes before kickoff and there’s already 

90,000 people there. 


My dad coaching me. It would be baseball season, and he 

would come in his coaching gear from the Vikings. Because it 

was the offseason, he had some time. But for him to come over 

and find time, as a coach, because obviously he was very busy. 

Who would want to go coach more after work? His passion was 

unbelievable. 

What are your feelings about having more teams in the 

national playoffs? 

I think they should, just because of the margin of error. I don’t 

care who you put on that committee, it’s hard. I think it should be 

eight just because there may be a five-seed that really is better 

than a one. That would allow, in a year when there is an undefeated 

Group of 5 team like UCF, it would allow them to be in 

there as one of the eight. 

What’s one of the most difficult things being a public 

figure, and what is the most rewarding? 

Not to complain, but sometimes it can just be overwhelming, 

especially in the south. But you understand that and embrace 

it over time. And that answers the second part of the question—that 

is the passion and how much the fans care and how 

important it is to them. 


My mom. 


22 • AUGUST 2023

Coach Zach Arnett 

Building Bulldogs’ Program One Player At A Time 

Logan Lowery 

Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett experienced his first SEC 

Media Days at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on July 18, where he was 

asked dozens – if not hundreds – of questions from various news 

outlets from across the country. However, Arnett asked a question 

of his own during various stops throughout the afternoon. 

“You want to know what makes some of the brightest 

minds in all of football?” “Really good players,” Arnett said with 

a smirk. “When you have really good players and they’re executing 

and playing at a high level with the right intensity level and effort, 

that’s what makes you a pretty good coach. It has very little to do 

with the scheme.” 

Asking questions was how Arnett arrived at the decision to hire 

Kevin Barbay as his offensive coordinator during the offseason. 

Arnett spoke to numerous candidates for the position and began 

each interview with the questions ‘what is the identity of your 

offense and what does it look like when you run it out there?’ 

“It was really refreshing to hear Kevin say that he couldn’t give 

me that answer until he knew who the best 11 players are,” Arnett 

said. “When you have that level of humility it’s not about the coordinator 

or the scheme, it’s about identifying the best players and 

getting them on the field. Every year you’re going to have a whole 

different identity because it’s all about the players. Coaches and 

scheme don’t influence players, players influence and affect the 

scheme.” 

Barbay has proven his offense can adapt to the personnel 

available to him during his previous stops at Central Michigan and 

Appalachian State. Over the past two seasons, Barbay’s offense 

ranks in the top 20 nationally averaging 448 yards and 33.6 points 

per game. 

In 2021, Barbay’s offense at Central Michigan produced leading 

rusher in the country in Lew Nicholls III with 1,848 yards. This past 

season at Appalachian State, Barbay dialed up 21 plays of 40-plus 

yards (14 passing, seven rushing) which ranked eighth nationally 

while also finishing fifth in fewest negative yardage plays allowed. 

“Kevin’s done a really good job wherever he has been,” Arnett 

said. “They’ve been very efficient on the offensive side of the ball 

and very good at creating explosive plays. Everywhere he’s been 

it’s looked a little different because the players are different. Your 

job on offense is to get the ball in the most explosive 

player’s hands in as much space possible so they can 

do what they do. He recognizes that and has done that 

everywhere he has been.” 

Arnett has plenty of experience back on both sides 

of the ball with 11 starters returning, including the most 

experienced quarterback in the conference in Will Rogers, versatile 

running back Jo’Quavious Marks, four offensive linemen and the 

top two tacklers in the SEC in linebackers Jett Johnson and 

Nathaniel Watson. 

“We had a whole lot of guys who could have put their name in 

the transfer portal coming off of great seasons and didn’t,” Arnett 

said. “I think that speaks volumes about how they feel about our 

program and the direction that it’s headed.” 

Although MSU was forced into making an abrupt head coaching 

change in December following the tragic passing of Mike Leach, 

Arnett wants his Bulldog team to embody the same blue-collar 

characteristics that the program has earned a reputation for under 

Leach and his predecessors. 

“I hope our identity is a continuation of what Mississippi State has 

always had in our program – tough, hard-nosed and disciplined,” 

Arnett said. “That’s been acknowledged for a long time that when 

you line up to play against Mississippi State, you’d better pack a 

lunch box and hard hat because it’s going to be a physical game.” 

In order to do that, it’s imperative that Arnett and his staff recruit 

the right players to fit the program. Their intentions are to sign the 

homegrown talent within the borders of the Magnolia State and 

then expand their recruiting efforts out into the surrounding states. 

Of the 27 players Arnett brought in during his initial signing 

class, 16 came from programs within Mississippi and only Australian 

punter Keelan Crimmins came from outside of the Bulldogs 

deliberate recruiting footprint. 

“We live in the most fertile ground that there is for college 

football players in the state of Mississippi,” Arnett said. “Then you 

expand out from there into Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, 

Texas and Georgia…We’ve got to do a good job in the evaluation 

process and the recruiting process of showing them that they can 

achieve all of their dreams and everything is there for them at 

Mississippi State.” 

Numerous times throughout SEC Media Day, Arnett pointed 

towards some of the NFL’s elite players such as perennial Pro 

Bowlers Fletcher Cox, Dak Prescott, Darius Slay, Elgton Jenkins, 

Chris Jones and Jeffery Simmons along with the five first-round 

picks the Bulldogs have had in the past five seasons as players 

the program has consistently churned out year after year. 

Arnett is hopeful to continue that tradition of producing talented 

players and providing the Bulldogs’ fan base – one that he deemed 

“the most loyal in all of college football” - a team they can be proud 

to call their own. 

“Starkville, Mississippi and Mississippi State University 

are special places and they deserve to have a football 

team who is ready to line up, compete and is prepared 

to win some football games,” Arnett said. “That’s what 

our job is and what we’re all about so let’s get to work.” 


24 • AUGUST 2023 

PHOTOS: Jackson State University

Coach T.C. Taylor 


As a player, my dream was always to go to the NFL. And when that 

season of my life was over, I came back home. I got a call one day 

from a coach that was here at Jackson State when I was a player. 

He said, ‘Have you ever thought about coaching?’ I still wanted to 

be around the game, so it was a no brainer for me. I thought about 

the great coaches that molded me - James “Big Daddy” Carson 

and Robert Hughes. I was like, ‘Yeah, let’s take it and go!’ 

What do you consider your greatest achievement and why? 

As a player, it’s the success I had here. Coming in as quarterback, 

and then having that taken away from me, moving to another 

position at receiver, and then having success and helping my team 

was a huge accomplishment. It allowed me to continue my dreams 

of making it to the NFL. Coaching-wise, I started at Coahoma 

Community College—a bottom-of-the-barrel type of league, as we 

were repeatedly told. I got that program turned around. Then I 

went to Texas Southern and then to North Carolina Central and we 

won our first championship. I got a taste for it, and that’s how I 

wake up every day and approach work - thinking about winning 

the next championship. 

What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time? 

I love the outdoors—hunting, fishing, and now I’ve picked up golf. 

Three years ago, I got an invite from our Vice President and 

Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson to play in his tournament. 

I played for the first time in that tournament and fell in love with it. 

Plus, it gives me something to do when I can’t hunt and fish. 

A lot of guys get out there and want to play against each other, but 

the real challenge is defeating the course. I love that. 

What advice would you give to a young person? 

Preparedness vs. pressure. Don’t operate under pressure. Be 

prepared. If you prepare daily for what God has in store for you, 

and you keep striving for those goals, then when that moment 

comes, you’ll be ready for it. 

What do you love most about Jackson? 

There are some amazing spots around here to eat! I grew up here! 

I love this place! The love in the city, the camaraderie, the love for 

this football team and this program hasn’t changed. But I’ve I got to 

put food up at the top! There’re some amazing spots where you 

can just eat and put your elbows on the table. 

What’s the most rewarding thing about your job? 

Seeing these kids achieve success, and seeing their faces when 

they do. When a kid calls me and tells me how I impacted their life 

– it may be a kid that made it to the NFL. It could be 

something I said, and they say, ‘Coach that stuck with 

me and made me into the man that I am.’’ That’s what’s 

big to me - mentoring these young men and getting 

them ready for real the world. 

What is a typical day like in the life of a college head coach? 

I start my day with a workout. After that, it’s getting these coaches 

and kids squared away. I try to run a first-class program with these 

guys, making sure they’re doing things and following the schedule 

the right way. Then, it’s staying out in front on things. We have a 

season to get ready for—travel, how we present and represent the 

program, game uniforms, everything. I try to stay ahead of all that. 

Besides The Vet, what’s your favorite place to play and why? 

Baton Rouge. There’s nothing like crossing that bridge to campus. 

But last year was my first time having the opportunity to play down 

in Lorman at Alcorn. To be down there, that atmosphere 

is crazy! Their fans are right there with us. The energy in that 

stadium was electric. They do it right! I have to say it’s right up 

there with Baton Rouge. 


There was this one basketball game when I was a kid, and it was 

tied up and near the end of the game. My friend was on the free 

throw line and we needed a bucket to win. He missed the free 

throw, but I got the rebound and put it back up and scored! I still 

think about that to this day. Also, the first day my mom allowed me 

to play peewee football. She didn’t want me to play but I’d begged 

her. I started my football career with the Magnolia Packers! 

Who is Jackson State’s biggest rival and why? 

Everybody thinks when you say Jackson State and Alcorn, that’s 

the big one. However, that’s more of a mutual love relationship. 

But when you talk about Jackson State and Southern? That’s a 

TRUE rivalry! We don’t like them, and they don’t like us. From the 

fans, the bands—there’s no getting along with that game right 

there. You can mark that one on your calendar! 

What’s one of the most difficult and one of the most 

rewarding things about being a public figure? 

The difficult thing for me is I’m not a big talker. But now that 

I’m head coach, I get stopped a lot. Fans want to talk and take 

pictures. The reward of it is that I feel the love, and I understand 

and appreciate it. We recently had our kids camp, and their faces 

would light up when I would go up to them and high five them! 

That means a lot to me. In the city of Jackson, it’s all about Jackson 

State. That’s what I always tell people when they ask me about 

being in this position. I understand the responsibility and importance 

of doing things the right way. 

Who is your biggest fan and why? 

My two sons and my wife. They’re my biggest fans and my biggest 

critics. They have always been honest with me during 

my entire coaching career. As a coordinator, I can 

remember if we lost a game they would tell me, ‘You 

called a bad game.’ When I’m down, they pick me up, 

and when I’m up too high, they’re going to pull me 

back down. They keep me grounded. 


26 • AUGUST 2023

Coach Will Hall 


My father, Bobby Hall, was my first hero. He is the 2nd 

winningest public-school coach in Mississippi history. 

What do you consider your greatest achievement/accomplishment 

and why? 

Winning the 2012 Gulf South Conference Championship 

outright at West Alabama. It was the first time in school 

history to ever do that. We also defeated perennial powers 

Delta State, Valdosta State, and North Alabama, in the same 

season for the first time in school history. 

What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time? 

Grill and have big time with family and friends. Life is too 

short not to enjoy it. 


How brutal fans can be to my family at school and work. 

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

what would it be? 

Golden Rule - treat everyone the way you would want them 

to treat you. 

What do you love most about Hattiesburg? 

The location—it’s in proximity to so many great things— 

the beach, New Orleans, great food, etc. 

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? 

Impacting lives. 


2014 West Georgia over rival Valdosta in the regional 

championship to go to the Final Four. They had beaten us 

40-6 in regular season. To go on the road and win that game 

at their place was truly special. 

Besides your home stadium, where is your favorite place 

to play and why? 

Brady Stadium in Florence, Alabama—home of the North 

Alabama Lions. I have truly great memories there. 


1988 Amory upsetting Rosedale to end Rosedale’s 40-game 

win streak. Also, the 1998 football season at Amory was 

special. We went 15-0 and won the state title. 

Who is USM’s biggest rivalry? 

Everyone wants a piece of USM at the Group of Five level 

because of our history and tradition. 

What’s one of the most difficult and rewarding things about 

being a public figure? 

The most difficult thing is the negative things directed at your 

family. The most rewarding is the reach you have to impact 

people in a positive way. 


Rebecca Hall – the toughest person I know. There has never 

been a day, where she did not make me a better person. 

What is the typical day in the life of a college coach? 

Solving problems and preventing problems. 


28 • AUGUST 2023

Fun Facts 

• CPSD is celebrating its 54th year as an elite public school district. 

• Clinton is the first district in the metro to implement the new balanced 

calendar. 

• Eastside Elementary was rated as the number one elementary school 

in the state, with Northside Elementary also included in the top five. 

• Clinton High School’s culinary competition team has won multiple 

national competitions over the past two years. 

• CHS eSports opened its inaugural season with a state championship. 

• All PreK-6th grade students explore computer science in classroom 

settings each week. 

• Clinton has maintained its A-rating for over a decade. 

• Clinton welcomes its newest offering for students at CHS– 

U.S. Coast Guard JROTC. 


30 • AUGUST 2023

Arrows Football 

DATE TIME LOCATION OPPONENT 

August 25 6:00 pm Away Warren Central 

September 1 7:30 pm Home Northwest Rankin 

September 8 7:30 pm Away Brandon 

September 15 7:30 pm Away Grenada 

September 22 7:30 pm Home South Panola 

September 29 7:30 pm Home Terry 

October 13 7:00 pm Away Starkville 

October 20 7:00 pm Home Tupelo 

October 27 7:00 pm Home Germantown 

November 3 7:00 pm Away Madison Central 


32 • AUGUST 2023

Clinton’s Soccer 

Coaches of the Year 

Robert Chapman 

When you think about Clinton High School’s boys and girls soccer 

teams, coaches like Hugh Christian, Jeff Long and Thomas Bobo come 

to mind. They took scores of talented, homegrown soccer players to elite 

heights, winning state championships and being a constant force in the 

MHSAA soccer world. 

With top-tier success spanning the last 40 years, the new crop of 

coaches shouldered a heavy calling. 

Nothing short of trophies and titles were the expectations laid before 

Clinton’s boys coach Tyler Wade and Clinton’s girls coach Elliot Rimmer. 

Trophies and titles they have certainly delivered. 

This past February, Coach Rimmer’s Lady Arrows brought home the 

2023 MHSAA 6A Girls State Championship. 

Coach Wade’s boys team also won the 2023 MHSAA 6A Boys State 

Championship, defending their 2022 title, going back-to-back and 

undefeated. 

Both Rimmer and Wade said the trek to having the top girls and boys 

teams was not a clear-cut path. It took rethinking how their collective 

programs could look, focusing on conditioning players to the schematics 

of Mississippi high school soccer. 

“We knew it would take some time to build a program that didn’t 

involve introducing the high school game to players once they reached 

ninth or tenth grade,” Wade said. 

Along with coaching at Clinton High School, both coaches play 

integral parts of Clinton’s Brilla JUNIORS club soccer program. 

“Kids in Clinton grow up playing soccer with Clinton Soccer 

Association and with Brilla JUNIORS, so talent has never been an issue. 

We know how important it is to start developing kids from an early age 

through recreation and club teams. That’s where they learn to love the 

game and love being part of a team.” 

“Having the chance to build relationships with kids when they first 

get really interested in the competitive side of the game and then 

introduce those same kids to a higher level of play when they’re in junior 

high is a special thing,” Rimmer said. “This model lets their love for the 

game grow while also allowing us to introduce a varsity-style workout 

and mindset,” Rimmer said. 

“We know what kind of work they’ve put in as club players, and now 

we get to ease them into this higher level of play and they get to take some 

ownership in their efforts to be part of a different type of championshipminded 

team,” Wade added. “Yes, it took some time to get this rolling, 

but we are already reaping the benefits, both for the boys and the girls.” 

“We know how valuable it can be to have 8th and 9th graders play 

pivotal roles next to elite juniors and seniors,” Rimmer said. “This gives 

our programs depth and sustainability while also allowing our players to 

develop confidence that will impact them not only on the field but also 

beyond soccer.” 

The two teams have racked up trophies, titles and championship 

rings with more to certainly come in the future. In May, the Mississippi 

Association of Coaches and United Soccer Coaches named Coach 

Rimmer and Coach Wade as Coaches of the Year. 

“It certainly is an honor to be recognized by your peers, and to have 

both boys and girls programs represented just encourages us to keep 

working,” Wade said. 

“Soccer is important to this school and this community,” Rimmer 

said, “and we take pride in what we have accomplished. We’ve celebrated 

it through the summer, but now we know it’s time to put the work in for 

this upcoming season.” 


34 • AUGUST 2023

Clinton Christian Academy 

Fun Facts 

• Established in the year 2000 as a non-denominational private 

Christian elementary school. 

• In 2021, both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams won the MAIS 

Class 3A state championship 

• CCA’s mission is to offer a solid Christian-based education, Pre-K 

through the 12th grade 

• Besides a strong academic program, CCA boosts solid sports teams. 

They offer varsity and junior varsity sports in football, basketball, 

baseball, softball, track and archery. 

• In 2018, CCA leaders signed an agreement with Mississippi College 

which allows CCA students to be eligible to receive a 40 percent 

tuition reduction at MC as long as they meet admission requirements 

for the Baptist affiliated university. 


36 • AUGUST 2023

Warriors Football 


August 10 6pm Away Cathedral Jamboree 

August 18 7pm Away Greenville St. Joseph 

August 25 7pm Home Madison St. Joseph 

September 1 7pm Home Riverfield Academy 

September 8 7pm Home McAdams (Homecoming) 

September 15 7pm Away St. Aloysius 

September 22 7pm Home Winston Academy 

September 29 7pm Away Columbia Academy 

October 6 7pm Home Tri-County Academy 

October 13 7pm Away Port Gibson 

October 20 7pm Away Central Hinds Academy 


Hometown Girls 

Bethany Cole 

According to the mission statement of Clinton Christian Academy, the school sets out “to educate every student 

for lifelong success and to enrich them with Christian purpose.” Each student, whatever their age, is strategically welcomed 

into a unique and hometown centric environment. While CCA is comprised of students who transfer in at various ages, 

it also is home to those who have experienced all their school years as a Warrior. 

Such is true for three rising seniors: Chloe Anne Hodgin, Abbey Abraham, and Annie Kate King, who will, 

within the next year, graduate from CCA and move on to post-high school endeavors. In honor of their final year 

as CCA students, we asked them what they enjoy about their school, their upbringing, and their hometown of Clinton. 

CHLOE ANNE HODGIN 

Chloe Anne Hodgin, daughter of Brian and 

Beth Hodgin, was born and raised in Clinton, 

along with her sister Mae Mae. Chloe notes that 

while her childhood was fairly routine, her high 

school years have proven to be quite eventful. 

“Since 9th grade I have experienced a pandemic 

and undergone back surgery.” In spite of that, 

Chloe became a cheerleader, and describes CCA 

as, “the one constant I have had through all these 

years.” Having completed 11th grade this spring, 

Chloe is entering her senior year reflecting on 

her years both past and ahead: 

What is your favorite school subject? 

ShowChoir and mentoring 

What do you want to do after high school? 

I plan on attending Delta State and major in 

nursing or business, but I may go to cosmetology 

school. 

What are your hobbies? 

My truck and friends. 

Are you involved in any sports or extra 

curricular activities? 

I am a varsity cheerleader and a member of the 

archery team. I am also a Diamond Girl. Last 

year I also got to be a student mentor in the K4 

classroom. 

What is your favorite thing about CCA? 

We are like family! 

What person in your life has impacted 

you the most and why? 

My “Big Momma.” She is a person who has 

always walked to the beat of her own drum. 

38 • AUGUST 2023 

What teachers at CCA have impacted you 

and why? 

Mrs. Tina, my K4 teacher because she was my 

first teacher at CCA. Mrs. Abraham because 

she let me sit at her desk all year in 2nd grade. 

Mrs. Prevost because she is just as crazy as I am 

and has made me think I could be a nurse too. 

And Ms. Page because she is my cheer and 

archery coach and has helped me overcome 

some pretty big obstacles by watching her 

overcome her own obstacles. 

What is your favorite quote or inspirational 

phrase? 

I always live by the philosophy of “Not my circus, 

not my monkeys” to remind me that although life 

can be crazy, I do not have to fix every problem 

and sometimes sitting back and watching it all is 

more entertaining! 

What is your favorite thing about Clinton? 

I can never get lost, because no matter where I go, 

there is always someone I have met or some place 

I have been before. 

ABBEY ABRAHAM 

Abbey Abraham, daughter of Meta and Scott 

Abraham, was born in Jackson. She, along with 

her older siblings, Callie and Jake, were raised in 

Clinton. Like many children raised in the south, 

Abbey laughingly says she “grew up playing sports 

and redneck activities.” Sports included travel 

soccer, basketball, swimming, and track. She also 

fostered a love of the outdoors from an early age, 

enjoying copious hours spent horse riding, 

fishing, and “mud riding.” As she, like her peers, 

prepares to conclude her high school years, she is 

anticipating a future that puts her favorite hobbies 

and skills to good use. 


Music 


I want to be a veterinarian or something to do 

with agriculture. I want to own a ranch and 

create a summer camp for kids. The first thing 

I would build is a barn church because Jesus 

Christ is the most important thing for kids to 

grow up learning about. The kids would have 

redneck slides with plenty of horse riding and 

just learning how to be a cowboy/cowgirl. 


My favorite thing to do is rodeo and barrel race. 

I love hanging out with my family, friends, and 

boyfriend. 

Are you involved in any sports/extra 


I currently play volleyball and I barrel race. 

I am a leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 

the treasurer for Honor Society, and I am a part 

of the Student Government Association. 


The fact that my mom works there, and I can go 

raid her closet for food. 

What person in your life has impacted you 

the most and why? 

Mrs. Judy Martin has impacted me the most. 

She goes through more trials than anyone I’ve 

ever seen and she always conquers them. Mrs. 

Judy has taught me almost everything I know 

from how to be a Christian to being a cowgirl. 

She is the kindest and hardest working person 

I know.

Abbey Abraham, Chloe Anne Hodgin, Annie Kate King 

What teacher at CCA have impacted you 

and why? 

Mrs. Lynn Green has impacted me the most 

because I can always go and tell her about my day, 

and she always gives me the sweetest response or 

good advice. 


phrase? 

“A dream does not become reality through magic; 

it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” 

- Colin Powell 


Brickstreet is my favorite part of Clinton 

because of how beautiful it is. 

ANNIE KATE KING 

Annie Kate King is the daughter of Natalie and 

Andrew King and was also raised in Clinton. She, 

along with her older brother Thomas and younger 

brother Wilson, “had a great childhood growing 

up in Clinton.” Reflecting on her school career, 

Annie attributes CCA with shaping her life 

through elementary and high school. “I have had 

godly teachers that I still see daily and many 

lasting friendships,” she notes. “I still hold many 

memories like cheering on the football field since 

I was in kindergarten, playing basketball since 

4th grade, and now as I approach my senior year 

I have realized how much my life has been shaped 

by everything I’ve done here. I have spent the last 

fourteen years growing up at CCA and I truly 

consider the people here my family and cherish 

all the memories.” 


It’s hard to choose between science and math. 


After high school I plan to attend Mississippi 

State University. I am hoping to become a 

physical therapist. 


Spending time with friends, going to the beach 

with family, shopping, and hunting with my dad. 

Are you involved in any sports/extra 


I am involved in cheer, basketball, Fellowship of 

Christian Athletes, Student Government 

Association and I am president of National 

Honor Society. 


The community. Since we are a small school 

everyone knows each other and treats you like 

family and there are not many places like that. 

What person in your life has impacted you 

the most and why? 

My mom because her strong, kind, and dependable 

personality has influenced me in many ways 

and helped me become the person I am today. She 

also has always pushed me to do my best whether 

it was in school, out of school, or playing sports. 

What teachers at CCA have impacted you 

and why? 

I have had several teachers that have impacted 

me starting from kindergarten all the way to high 

school. But the person who has impacted me the 

most is the former head of school, Dr. Phillip 

Broome. Even though every morning he was 

blowing leaves out in front of the school, he never 

failed to greet me with a smile and say hey. He 

taught me how to be a great leader and to be an 

asset not a liability. He also had a great love for 

the school and all of the students. 


phrase? 

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the 

Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23 


The downtown brick streets with all the 

events that happen there and the smalltown 

atmosphere. 


Your 

Future 

Looks 

Bright! 

Find your path to a 

worthwhile career at Hinds CC! 

REGISTER FOR FALL CLASSES TODAY! 

WWW.HINDSCC.EDU 

JACKSON | NAHC | RANKIN | RAYMOND | UTICA | VICKSBURG 

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and 

State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. 

We recognize our responsibility to provide an open and welcoming environment that fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for employees and students to collaboratively learn, work and serve our communities. The following have been 

designated to handle inquiries regarding these policies: 

EEOC Compliance: Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion , Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3458 or Email: EEOC@hindscc.edu 

Title IX: Associate Vice President Student Services, Title IX Coordinator , Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3353 or Email: TitleIX@hindscc.edu 

40 • AUGUST 2023

Fun Facts 

• Mt. Salus is latin for “mount of health,” and was considered 

as a name for the city of Clinton. 

• In 1970, Mt. Salus Presbyterian Church founded Mt. Salus 

Christian School. 

• The school was originally known as the Mt. Salus Patriots and 

has been an accredited member of the Mississippi Association 

of Private Schools (now MAIS) since 1973. 

• In 1987, MSCS changed its mascot from the Patriots to the 

Eagles, motivated by Isaiah 40:31. 

• Mt. Salus Christian School merged with Covenant Christian 

High School in 2004, growing to a K-12th grade school, rooted 

in its foundation of providing gospel-saturated Christian 

worldview education. 

• Mt. Salus offers dual credit college courses through Hinds 

Community College, allowing students to graduate high school 

with college credits. 

• Mt. Salus Christian School K3-K5 will meet at Wildwood Baptist 

Church fall of 2023. 


42 • AUGUST 2023

Lady Eagles Soccer 


August 8 TBA Away Copiah Academy 

August 14 5:30 pm Away Discovery 

August 18 5:00 pm Home LCS 

August 22 5:30 pm Away Manchester 

August 24 5:00 pm Home Discovery 

August 31 5:00 pm Away St. Augustine 

September 5 5:00 pm Away Central Hinds 

September 15 5:00 pm Away LCS 

September 19 4:00 pm Home St. Augustine 

September 21 4:00 pm Home Central Hinds 

September 25 4:00 pm Home Manchester 


44 • AUGUST 2023

Planting Seeds 

of Growth & Faith 

at Mt. Salus 

Christian School 

Mt. Salus Staff 

Mt. Salus Christian School has been dedicated to providing Christcentered 

academic excellence for over fifty years. That commitment 

begins with even the youngest students. For the past 21 years, Kim 

Yelverton has led the kindergarten (K3-K5) program at Mt. Salus where 

she and her team provide a strong foundation for students’ academic 

journey while nurturing their faith. 

When asked what she enjoys most about teaching kindergartners, 

Mrs. Yelverton says, “Teaching kindergartners is both exhilarating 

and exhausting, but I can’t imagine it not being a part of my life. I love 

greeting each child in the morning and seeing their excitement and 

hearing their laughter throughout the day. I enjoy the everyday 

opportunities I have listening to an exciting story, helping a child with 

his first loose tooth, hearing him read his first book, and watching each 

one as they grow in their love for Christ.” 

This fall her leadership continues as the Mt. Salus kindergarten 

program expands by relocating to the Wildwood Baptist Church facility on 

Springridge Road in Clinton. This exciting partnership provides muchneeded 

space for the K3-K5 students at Mt. Salus while also offering an 

opportunity for the families at the Wildwood Childcare Center to easily 

transition their children from the childcare program into an accredited 

pre-K and kindergarten program with a Biblical worldview focus. 

“I’m very grateful to Wildwood Baptist Church for partnering with 

us to help the kindergarten program grow. I’m looking forward to having 

more space in each classroom and the increasing opportunities that the 

K3-K5 will have to participate in music, STEM, P.E., and art in areas 

designed for young children,” says Yelverton. 

As Mt. Salus Christian School enters a new season of growth, the 

administration is grateful for the continued leadership of their team, 

like Mrs. Yelverton. “We are immensely blessed to have Mrs. Yelverton 

leading our kindergarten program,” says Mary Kathryn Whittle, dean 

of students. 

“Not only does Mrs. Yelverton bring a wealth of experience as she 

leads our kindergarten program as the director and K5 teacher, she loves 

each and every student as her own. Because of her investment in each 

student’s academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth, we’re confident 

that the students that go through the MSCS kindergarten program are 

equipped to thrive academically. But even more importantly, the seeds 

of the gospel are being planted and watered, providing a foundation for 

life,” Whittle adds. 

The admiration is mutual. Yelverton says, “I have the privilege of 

working alongside the most amazing teachers and staff who are committed 

to working as a team to effectively see children grow in their relationship 

with the Lord.” 

Mt. Salus is excited about the experienced team they have in their 

kindergarten program. This fall they will have K3, K4, and K5 classes and 

an enrichment teacher for kindergarten classes, allowing them additional 

opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration. In addition to daily 

enrichment activities, students will have weekly chapel, learning through 

song, play, and other hands-on learning activities, all taught through the 

lens of Scripture. 

Mt. Salus Christian School is on a mission to prepare students for life, 

not just graduation. 

To see if MSCS is a good fit for your family, call 601-924-5863 

or visit mtsalus.org to schedule a campus visit. Now enrolling K3-12th 

grade students for the 2023-2024 school year. 


@ A S Y O U W I S H C L I N T O N 

3 1 0 J E F F E R S O N S T R E E T / O L D E T O W N E C L I N T O N 

6 0 1 - 7 0 8 - 4 4 5 7 

A N D I N T R O D U C I N G 

Like Us! 

@ T H E O U T L E T C L I N T O N 

3 1 2 J E F F E R S O N S T R E E T / O L D E T O W N E C L I N T O N 

6 0 1 - 7 0 8 - 4 4 5 7 

46 • AUGUST 2023


48 • AUGUST 2023

The Browns 


Robbie (39) Enjoys family trips, playing trombone and 

piano, learning to play the banjo, working in the yard, 

Clinton Lions Club, cheering on the Florida Gators, 

Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and MC 

Choctaws, and watching WWE wrestling, especially 

with the kids. 

Adriane (39) Love to read all kinds of books – historical 

fiction, religion, self-help, history, and politics. I love the 

Quisenberry Library, and I always end up with more 

than I can possibly get through. Running and walking 

outdoors is my go-to way to stay healthy. I run or walk six 

days a week - usually on the walking path on Arrow Drive. 

Sara Beth (12) Will be a 7th grader at CJHS. 

Enjoys playing basketball, piano, and flute. 

Emily (10) Will be a 5th grader at Eastside Elementary. 

Enjoys YouTube and playing basketball and piano. 

Kelly (8) Will be a 3rd grader at Northside Elementary. 

Loves all things gymnastics and Dolly Parton. 


50 • AUGUST 2023

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

We met at Mississippi College at a formal our freshman year, but 

neither one of us really remembers that first meeting. We didn’t 

become good friends until after graduation. I grew up in Birmingham 

but stayed in Clinton for a job, and Robbie grew up in Jacksonville, 

Florida, but stayed in Clinton for graduate school. We ended up 

sharing an apartment with a third roommate and 

six months later were moving out and started dating. We’ve been 

married for almost 15 years. 

Do you allow time to be with your spouse for a date night? 

This was a little more difficult when the girls were babies because 

our family is out of state, but we became good friends with one of our 

first daycare teachers (Katina McCorry) who babysat for us for many 

years. Now we are best of friends and even neighbors! Our church, 

FBC Clinton, also provides parents’ night out once a month, and we 

always take advantage when we can. 

What brings you the greatest joy as a parent? 

It is fun to have kids who are growing up. Seeing their different 

personalities—the things I know I could not have taught them— 

is so much fun. 

Who is the financial manager in your home? 

Adriane is a CPA, so she handles most of the details. But we always 

make big decisions together. 

When your children were younger, what was your 

discipline philosophy? 

Adriane is the strictest about bedtimes. We always wanted to 

encourage our children to be independent and confident decision 

makers – even if it sometimes gets them into a little trouble. 

What do you see in your role as the greatest benefit to 

your family? 

Robbie To provide love and stability. I do travel often for my job, 

but my job also gives me the flexibility to attend a lot of their school 

and extracurricular activities. I want my children to know that 

Adriane and I will always be there to support them. 

Adriane Being home allows me to help the whole family balance 

time together with all our different activities. I can plan more meals 

and run more errands than the average working mom is able to do. 

What’s a quick go-to meal that isn’t fast food? 

And who does the cooking? 

Adriane Being home full time allows me to do most of the cooking. 

I don’t love cooking, but I do love being home with my family and 

not feeling rushed and overwhelmed by uncertainty as to what and 

when we will eat. Our girls like spaghetti, but I like anything that 

can go in the crockpot! 

How long has Clinton been your home? 

Since we first came to MC in 2002 (21 years!) 

What are some of your favorite things about Clinton? 

We love the Quisenberry Library, our church, jazz on the brick 

streets, Caterpillar Parade, and all the fun small-town events. 

How do you spend your summer breaks? 

Visiting family. 

What accomplishments make you proud during your time 

living in Clinton? 

We both graduated from MC with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. 

Adriane became a CPA, and we got married and started our family. 

Every major milestone in our adult life so far has happened while 

living in Clinton! 

What drives you to have the job that you have? And what 

do you do for a living? 

Robbie I work as the deputy executive director for the Mississippi 

Municipal League. I wear a lot of hats, but my main job is running 

the Certified Municipal Officials program which is an education 

and training program for municipal elected officials such as mayors 

and aldermen. I love knowing that the training we provide helps 

municipal leaders serve their community better and has a positive 

impact throughout the state. 

Adriane I am a stay-at-home mom, but I also do some part-time 

bookkeeping from home. It allows me to make my family the 

priority, but still use my degree to contribute some to our finances. 

QUESTIONS FOR THE CHILDREN 

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

Sara Beth Playing board games 

Emily Watch WWE wrestling 

Kelly Go to Dollywood 

What is your favorite restaurant? 

Sara Beth Taco Bell 

Emily Popeyes 

Kelly Waffle House 

What’s your favorite TV show? 

Sara Beth Chopped Jr. 

Emily Ben Azelart (You Tube) 

Kelly Barbie 


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52 • AUGUST 2023

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A 

Cheer 

Legacy 

Blair 

Ukele 

Kristi Allen Walker 

54 • AUGUST 2023

I started cheering in first grade. 

Back then, as you probably remember, pompoms were 

made of paper and my mom had to make my cheer uniform. 

It was honestly my first love. 

I cheered on peewee, junior high, and high 

school squads. I was chosen as UCA All-American 

and selected to try out for UCA staff my senior year. 

Chris Wilson from the Mississippi College cheer 

squad was our coach during part of that time and 

encouraged me to try out at MC. 

I was very familiar with the success of the 

program and had been to several performances. 

At that time, they had won six national championships 

under the leadership of Cheryl Moss. 

Cheer tryouts for MC and my senior prom 

ended up being the same night! It was a memorable 

day, to say the least. I was one of a few incoming 

freshman to make the squad which was exciting. 

We competed in Orlando and won the program, 

its seventh national championship. 

The next year, the school announced it would 

be changing from Division II to Division III, placing 

5th at nationals. I was currently on staff with UCA 

and spending my summers teaching cheer camps 

all over the country. I worked with some very 

talented college cheerleaders from Division I schools and was encouraged 

to transfer to a larger school and cheer program. 

I visited Starkville and fell in love with Mississippi State. I decided to try 

out and was selected to be a member of the varsity co-ed squad. It was 

exciting to have the opportunity to cheer for an SEC school. I made many 

wonderful memories! The pep-rallies, cheering in Davis Wade Stadium, 

traveling to other SEC campuses, and experiencing basketball games the 

year after a final-four appearance was unforgettable. 

My family and I continued to attend MSU football 

games each year and my mom always planned a 

large tailgate party for our family and friends. Blair 

(my daughter) started attending games when she was 

very young. She was always in a Mississippi State 

cheer outfit and was usually shaking her pompoms 

and tumbling in the Junction. Her sister, Becca, 

joined right along as well when she was old enough. 

My girls loved attending games and even had the 

opportunity to go on the field with me when they 

recognized alumni spirit squads one homecoming. 

I coached cheerleading squads and owned a cheer 

gym, so both of my girls grew up around cheerleading. 

Blair cheered all the way through peewee, junior high, 

and high school. She was also selected as an 

All-American and asked to try out for the UCA staff. 

She never considered going anywhere else but 

Mississippi State for college. She bleeds maroon 

and she loves the Bulldogs. 

Blair decided to try out for cheerleader at MSU 

when Covid hit. This forced tryouts to be virtual and 

there were no open practices or clinics. She was struggling with a tumbling 

mental block, but did her best at the time. She, unfortunately, did not make 

the squad, but continued teaching cheer and tumbling at a local cheer 

gym. She enjoyed instructing the kids and stayed involved with the sport. 

Fortunately, Blair was selected to serve on the UCA staff and really 

blossomed her first summer teaching camps. She became more independent, 

more confident, and had the opportunity to learn from some of the 

best cheerleaders in the country. Her skills improved and she continued to 


56 • AUGUST 2023

work hard in the gym throughout the year to get better and 

stronger. 

When her sophomore year rolled around, she decided 

to try out for the MSU squad again. Blair spent many hours 

with other cheer candidates, stunting together on the 

weekends. She made up her mind to give the tryout 

process another shot and give it her best with no regrets. 

There was literally blood, sweat, and a lot of tears as she 

began to prepare. 

As her mom, I was proud of her determination and hard 

work. After attending the clinics, Blair earned an invite to try 

out for the co-ed cheer squad. By the time tryouts came 

around, she was prepared and confident. 

It was a three-day process with cuts every evening. 

She continued to push through and made it to the final day. 

Now she had to play the waiting game—until the emails 

went out for the final squad selection. It is very hard as a 

parent to see your child want something so bad and have 

no control over the outcome. 

We supported her and prayed for her together as a 

family. We knew no matter the outcome, God had a great 

plan for her and it would all work out in the end. Blair had 

dreamed of being an MSU cheerleader her entire life. There 

was nothing she loved more than cheerleading and MSU! 

Her dream did finally come true. That little girl doing 

toe touches in the Junction will now be cheering on the 

sidelines of Davis Wade stadium this fall. I still get emotional 

saying that. Her story is just a testament of faith, commitment, 

hard work, and perseverance. It just so happened 

that her dreams were a lot like mine were. 

She is a true Mississippi State cheer legacy and that 

makes it even more fun for my family and me. Life really has 

come full circle. 


Walking Tacos 

• 1 lb. ground beef 

• 1 envelope reduced sodium 

chili seasoning mix 

• ¼ tsp. pepper 

• 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes 

and green chiles 

• 1 can (15 oz.) ranch style beans 

• 5 packages (1 oz. each) corn chips 

• shredded cheddar cheese, sour 

cream and sliced green onions 

In a large skillet, cook beef over 

medium heat until no longer pink, 

breaking into crumbles, 6-8 minutes; 

drain. Stir in chili seasoning mix, 

pepper, tomatoes and beans; 

bring to a boil. Reduce heat; 

simmer, uncovered, until 

thickened, 20-25 minutes, 

stirring occasionally. Just 

before serving, cut open 

corn chip bags. Add beef 

mixture and toppings. 

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad 

with Creamy Dill Dressing 

• 8 oz. whole wheat rotini 

• ⅓ cup sour cream 

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise 

• 3 Tbsp. pickle juice from the jar 

• 1 - 3 tsp. hot sauce 

• ¼ tsp ground pepper 

• ¼ tsp. salt 

• ½ cup thinly sliced celery 

• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper 

• ½ cup chopped dill pickles 

• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion 

• 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill 

Bring a large saucepan of water to a 

boil. Add pasta and cook according 

to package directions. Drain and 

rinse under cold water. Meanwhile, 

whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, 

pickle juice, hot sauce to taste, salt, 

and pepper in a large bowl. Add 

celery, bell pepper, pickles, onion, 

dill and cooked pasta. Toss to coat 

well. Let stand for at least 10 minutes, 

stirring once or twice before serving. 

Nutty Pimiento Cheese 

Balls 

• 2 oz. creamed cheese, softened 

• 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese 

(about 2 cups) 

• 8 oz. shredded Monterey jack 

cheese (about 2 cups) 

• 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise 

• 3 Tbsp. drained chopped pimientos 

• 1 tsp. grated onion 

• ⅛ tsp. garlic powder 

• Pinch of salt 

• Pinch of pepper 

• 1½ cups finely chopped 

toasted pecans 

Process cream cheese in food 

processor until smooth. Add 

cheddar, Monterey jack, mayonnaise, 

pimientos, onion, garlic powder, salt 

and pepper and pulse to combine. 

Scrape into a bowl, cover and 

refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

Place pecans in a medium bowl. 

Roll cheese mixture into 1-inch 

balls and coat each ball evenly with 

pecans. Serve the cheese balls at 

room temperature or chilled. 

58 • AUGUST 2023

Rueben Pickle Bites 

• 2½ Tbsp. mayonnaise 

• 1 Tbsp. ketchup 

• 1 tsp. prepared horseradish 

• ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce 

• ¼ tsp. onion powder 

• 1-2 dashes hot sauce 

• 2 Tbsp. butter 

• 2 medium slices rye bread, crusts 

trimmed, cut into 18 pieces 

• 6 small slices pastrami or corned 

beef, cut into thirds (18 strips) 

• 2 slices swiss cheese, cut into 

18 pieces 

• 36 sliced kosher dill pickle rounds 

Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, 

horseradish, Worcestershire, onion 

powder and hot sauce in a small 

bowl. Heat butter in a large skillet 

over medium high heat until melted. 

Add bread and cook, flipping once, 

until golden brown and crispy on 

both sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side. 

To assemble bites: onto each of the 

18 toothpicks, thread a pickle slice, 

folded piece of pastrami or corned 

beef, a piece of bread and piece of 

cheese. Add ½ tsp. of mayonnaise 

mixture and finish the skewer with 

another pickle slice. 

Spicy Bisquick 

Sausage Balls 

• 3 cups all-purpose baking mix 

(such as Bisquick) 

• 1 lb. ground pork sausage 

• 1 (8 oz.) block medium cheddar, 

shredded 

• 1 (8 oz.) block pepper jack cheese, 

shredded 

• 6 Tbsp. whole mill 

• 2 Tbsp. grated yellow onion 

• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro 

• Cooking spray 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place 

baking mix, sausage, cheese, milk, 

onion, and cilantro in a small bowl. 

Press mixture together with hands 

until well combined. Shape into 

1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart 

on a lightly greased (with cooking 

spray) baking sheet. Bake until lightly 

browned, 20 to 25 minutes. 

Serve warm. 

Bacon Wrapped Smokies 

• 14 slices bacon 

• 1 (14oz.) package smokies 

• ¼ cup brown sugar 

• 2 Tbsp. honey 

• ¼ tsp. garlic powder 

• Red pepper flakes (optional) 

• 42 toothpicks 

Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking 

sheet with parchment paper. Cut 

each piece of bacon into thirds, 

creating three shorter segments from 

each piece. Wrap each smokie in one 

of the short bacon segments. Insert a 

toothpick all the way through to 

hold the bacon in place. Transfer to 

baking sheet. In a small bowl mix 

brown sugar, honey, and garlic powder. 

Top each of smokie with ¼ tsp. of 

the sugar mixture. Sprinkle all of the 

smokies with red pepper flakes if 

desired, and transfer to oven until 

bacon is cooked through 

(25-30 minutes). 

Bacon-Pimiento Guacamole 

• 3 peeled and pitted ripe avocados 

• 2½ Tbsp. fresh lime juice 

• ¾ tsp. kosher salt 

• 14 oz. jar diced pimientos, drained 

• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion 

• 6 cooked and crumbled bacon slices 

• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro 

• Tortilla chips 

Slow Cooker 

Grape Jelly Meatballs 

• 1½ cups grape jelly 

• 1 cup chili sauce 

• ½ cup BBQ sauce 

• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 

• 1 tsp. Sriracha chili sauce 

• ½ tsp. kosher salt 

• ¼ tsp. black pepper 

• Cooking spray 

• 2 lbs. frozen meatballs 

• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped chives 

Whisk together grape jelly, chili sauce, 

barbecue sauce, mustard, Sriracha, 

salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. 

Toss to coat. Cover and cook on high 

until sauce thickens, 2 to 2 ½ hours, 

stirring halfway through. Top with 

chives and serve immediately. 

Coarsely mash avocados and mix 

with lime juice and kosher salt. Fold in 

pimientos, onion, bacon and cilantro. 

Serve with tortilla chips. 


October 6 

Babies through 19 years old 

Traditional Irish & Scottish 

music.dance.athletics & more! 

32nd Annual 

TALENT SHOW 2023 

Oct 13 & 14, 2023 

Bobby Cleveland Park at Lakeshore 

Brandon, MS 

Volunteers Get in Free! 

October 7 

Any Age, Any Talent 

October 9,10 

Mississippi Idol 

www.celticfestms.org 

funding provided in part by grants from 

60 • AUGUST 2023


SALUTE 

to First Responders 

Why did you decide to be a first responder? 

I decided to after growing up with my uncle being with the MHP, 

and always being fascinated by his job and the stories he would tell. 

How long have you been with the Clinton Police Department? 

I have been here for a total of eight years. My first three years were on 

night shift, and my last five have been as an SRO. 


I’ve been married to my wife, Racheal, for seven years, and we have a 

Husky named Lucky. 

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

Being there while a family is grieving over the death of a loved one has 

always been a tough situation. 

Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time. 

I really enjoy all sports. Whether watching or playing, I’ve always 

enjoyed all sports, especially soccer and football. 

Officer 

Chad 

BLISSETT 

CLINTON PUBLIC SCHOOL 

RESOURCE OFFICER 

62 • AUGUST 2023

What are three things on your bucket list? 

I’ve always wanted to go sky diving, go to the Swiss Alps, and live 

in the mountains somewhere. 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

My dad. I’ve always looked up to him. He’s been a great role model 

and has encouraged me in whatever I have wanted to do. 

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

what would it be? 

Strive for your best, and tough times are only periodic. 

What is your favorite thing about the city of Clinton? 

I love everything about Clinton. I’ve lived here my whole life. 

It’s a great, small, family town. It’s a great place to live. 

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64 • AUGUST 2023


TheTime COIN 

Camille Anding 

The countdown is close enough to hear it ticking. 

The ‘23-‘24 school schedule is here, ready or not! As a former teacher absent from the 

classroom for decades, I’m not one to offer advice or instruction for the classroom and its 

challenges of today. But there are a few things I recall that will never change. 

There will be those students entering the classroom that are shy, quiet, and reserved. Their 

thoughts and personalities will stay confined within their minds unless that gifted teacher can 

challenge them to “break out.” Those teachers will need a surplus of sensitivity and wisdom. 

Other students will bolt through the door like ignited sticks of dynamite. They will be quick to 

size up their teacher and determine that teacher’s adherence to discipline and her passion for 

teaching. That teacher will need a reserve supply of patience, wisdom, and a quick mind. 

A few students will enter the classroom quietly while surveying their new “terrain.” They will 

appear to be the model students but will possess an underlying craftiness and mischief and the 

ability to use those disruptive skills to create chaos. Teachers will need to have discernment to 

spot them quickly in an attempt to “diffuse” those skills along with wisdom to divert their chaos into 

positive channels. 

More than we want to see will be those students bringing the baggage of heaviness into the 

classroom. Poverty, dysfunctional families, and a myriad of other weights will accompany them, 

pulling those minds into a pit that will require a wise and gifted teacher to pull them into an 

educable mode. 

There will also be those students that will balance the teacher’s days when irrationality 

and total perplexity threaten to overwhelm. These students will be well adjusted, eager for 

new learning experience, and quick to take instructions. They will bring renewed hope for their 

teachers and a fulfilling reason to return to the classroom. 

When I consider all these types of personalities and needs with the hot, humid early days of fall, 

the students’ sticky, sweaty bodies, odors of new, clean, and not-so-clean clothes, I understand 

there’s an endless list of qualities that teachers need to possess. Where do we go for wisdom, 

patience, strength, and most of all love for those who are hard to love? Jesus is the Source – an 

endless supply: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” 

Proverbs 2:6. And that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are written down in His Word for 

all to read. That truth makes me want to suggest a reading assignment for all those dedicated 

teachers. 

66 • AUGUST 2023

St. Andrew’s alumni and members of UMMC’s Class of 2023 

learning down to a science 

St. Andrew’s outstanding science program includes courses from astronomy to zoology, 

physics to engineering and robotics, all with an emphasis on hands-on lab work and research. 

At St. Andrew’s, students like these 8 new physicians find more than outstanding 

academic preparation. They develop critical thinking skills, character, and a 

commitment to service that will equip them for success in any field they choose to pursue. 

“I thought the children of Jackson deserved a different kind of education.” 

— St. Andrew’s Founder Sherwood Wise 

foundations – grade 12 | jackson & ridgeland, mississippi | gosaints.org 


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