Clinton Arrow Podcast

Fourth grade math and science teacher Schnita Gladney fully understands that the joy and passion of teaching is found in being a life-long learner and a willingness to go above and beyond (like, way above and beyond).

Clinton Athletic's Strength and Conditioning Coach Andrew Rafferty has put the science of training into place with Arrow athletes to instill proper form in order to produce quality athletes. His mission, however, is not only to produce healthy athletes but to prepare Clinton's students for life beyond sports.

Clinton's Attache Show Choir Director Chance Anderson knows the history associated with both of Clinton's Show Choirs and has a unique background making him a quality fit in his position.

In this episode of the Clinton Arrow Podcast, Mr. Anderson talks about the skills students in Clinton's Attache and Ambassadors show choirs gain that go beyond their championship winning ways.

Northside and Eastside Language Teacher Rebecca Brill and her fellow EL Teachers proved that the time spent with students where English is not their first language is truly valuable. 

In this episode of the Clinton Arrow Podcast, Mrs. Brill shares about the successes these students achieved in the 2024-2025 school year and about the solid relationships built within these classes.

Welcome to The Clinton Arrow Podcast (Extra), or "The CAPE." In this inaugural episode, we talk to Sumner Hill student Eleanor Freeny about her high ACT score she earned during the summer after 8th grade.

Dr. Andy Schoggin is entering is fifth year as CPSD's Superintendent and knows that a successful school year mirrors what it it takes to make a successful school district. I talked with him about the ABCs of starting a new school year in efforts to continue Clinton's successful track record of preparing students for the future. 

During February of 2025, four CHS Juniors teamed together to make a real impact. Shruti Singh, Clara McCombs, Margaret Collins and Macy Carraway initiated a service project to help fellow Mississippi students at Children's of Mississippi Hospital feel recognized and honored while battling illnesses.

To earn the title of National Merit Finalist, students must take the PSAT as well as complete a few rounds of requirements to secure this coveted scholarship opportunity. Add to that a 36 on the ACT and you may have two great opportunities towards your future. I sat down with two students who have achieved both of these marks and asked Owen McCleese and Grayson Fortenberry about their journey setting them up for great futures.

With the end of the fall 2024 semester approaching, Dr. Ivory Gray and his staff at CJHS have scheduled an open house for all current 6th graders and their parents to explore the halls and offerings of Clinton Junior High School, CPSD's 7th & 8th grade campus. I sat down with Dr. Gray and CJHS counselor Leslie Herrin as they explained what the event will be and how the idea came about.

CJHS 8th Grader Colton Ouellette had an idea to start a club around one of the fastest growing sports in the nation—Pickleball. I spent time talking to Colton about how he went about starting the club and those who helped him along the way.

CHS Junior Jamaya Ivory had an idea to start a club aiming to help students when it comes to their mental health. Her club, "Building Eager Ambitious Minds," or "BEAM" seeks to provide an engaging environment for learning about mental balance and self awareness.

Dr. Bill Hardin, Clinton's Career & Technical Director, sits down with us to talk about how CTE classes are funded and how decisions are made. He shares about how Clinton's CTE program has intentionally progressed over the decades to become one of the elite CTE programs in the state of Mississippi, producing an educated workforce and offering students numerous opportunities to invest in their own futures.

Clinton Park's longtime principal Kelli Pope talked about how Clinton Park Elementary school earned its A-Rating, coming in as the third-ranked elementary school according to the 2024 MDE rankings.

I sat down with CHS Student Council sponsors Hannah Rachel Smith and Erin Ghaffarian to talk about the traditions of CHS's Homecoming week.

Clinton students now have the opportunity to take advantage of a wonderful service provided by AccelerateMS and the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (or CMPDD) on their own campus.

Jana Carter, who has a long history as an Arrow, is CHS's new Career Coach.

Her mission is to serve the students at CHS, adding another layer of help when guiding that ever-nagging question of what to do after high school. She shared a few of her thoughts and goals with us about her duty to tomorrow's workforce.

Great teachers do not simply "appear." They put in countless hours and many years of hard work, sharpening their craft and investing into hundreds of students. 

Every "seasoned" educator started as a first year teacher, and I had the chance to sit down with one of Clinton's newest educators, Zaria White. 

I had the chance to sit down with Clinton's Culinary Instructors, Chef Catherine Bruce and Chef Joshua Phillips. If you haven't heard about the amazing things going on with CHS's Culinary Arts, you've certainly missed a sweet treat (pun intended). 

We are excited to reintroduce a new take on the Clinton Arrow Podcast.