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Clinton Educators Energized at Mississippi College Event Opening New School Year


Phil Burchfield, Clinton superintendent, Kameron Ball, director of technology, and assistant superintendent Tim Martin, were among the speakers at the school district's convocation Friday at Mississippi College.

Hundreds of Clinton educators came away refreshed after a series of rousing speeches, music and delicious food to open the 2013-14 academic year.

During Friday’s convocation at Mississippi College, Clinton Mayor Phil Fisher saluted the teachers and other educators for working hard at an innovative district that he says is among the very best in America.

“There’s nothing broken here to fix,” Fisher told his audience at MC’s Swor Auditorium. He praised the teachers for their success in the classroom, while making learning fun. It’s not just a Mississippi district that’s been a big achiever overnight. “We have a history of success.”

“The city looks forward to working with you,” the new mayor said. A former Hinds County supervisor and ex-city alderman, Fisher was overwhelmingly elected by voters in June. The Republican replaced Rosemary Aultman, who stepped down after 20 years of remarkable service as mayor in her hometown.

Mississippi College leaders were delighted to put out the welcome mat to the visiting educators and strengthen the partnership between the Christian university and the city.

The Baptist Medical Clinic & Baptist Healthplex treated the Clinton guests to continental breakfast, while the MC School of Education supplied them with free meals from the local Chick fil-A. The Swor Auditorium visitors also were entertained by Attaché, the award-winning show choir from Clinton High. The Clinton-based 114th Army National Guard presented the colors.

During his remarks, Superintendent Phil Burchfield touched on some of the district’s bragging points, including strong test scores. Clinton’s district is rated among the best in the Magnolia State.

“Our district is recognized throughout Mississippi and the Southeast for its tradition of excellence,” Burchfield said on the district’s website. Strong support from the Clinton community through partnerships, volunteer programs and financial backing all add up to make the district excel, he said.

Clinton is not only an exceptional school district with terrific students and educators. The city that borders Jackson offers a “great wholesome lifestyle” that makes Clinton an attractive place to live, Burchfield said.

Other speakers at the nearly three-hour meeting on the Clinton campus included Sheila Grogan, the Clinton School Board president, alderwoman Jan Cossitt, a staff member at the Baptist Healthplex, assistant superintendent Tim Martin, and director of technology Kameron Ball.

School of Education professor Cindy Melton delivered a warm welcome from the faculty and staff at Baptist-affiliated Mississippi College. “We are so thankful for the longstanding partnership we have with Clinton schools.”

Melton chairs the university’s Teacher Education and Leadership Department. The MC graduate is also a parent with two children attending Clinton public schools.

Besides gearing up for classes, the Clinton Arrows and their fans are getting ready for football games. The CHS Arrows face the Pearl High Pirates in Clinton on August 23 to kickoff the 2013 season.