Once upon a time, on a small hill in Newton, Mississippi, stood a college campus. The little school opened its doors in 1908 and for many years, it was a part of the landscape of the town. Students would come to the campus each year and make the school, and Newton County, their home. Sadly, the school closed its doors in the spring of 1992 and the community lost an important part of its history.
It has been 29 years since the school closed its doors, but that has not stopped the alumni of Clarke College from continuing on with their mission. The alumni work closely with the new owners of the old Clarke campus. Local alumni, Evelyn Williams, has worked closely with Donna Creekmore from CMRC and has built a wonderful relationship between the two groups. When the alumni come to town, they are always wanting to purchase pottery from the residents of CMRC.
The Clarke College alumni have also established two scholarships. One is located at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS and the other is at Blue Mountain College in Blue Mountain, MS. A third scholarship is now in development and will go to a worthy student from Newton High School. Once the goal has been reached, the scholarship will become available to be awarded. A fourth scholarship has been discussed to go to a worthy student in Newton County.
On Friday, July 16, the Clarke College alumni will be returning to Newton for their 2021 reunion. On Saturday morning of the reunion, the alumni will gather at their alumni center for a Yard Sale and Bake Sale. All funds received from this event will go towards sponsoring the Clarke scholarship for Newton High School. All are invited to come out and enjoy the morning starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 11:00 a.m. Purchases will be cash or one may choose to use their Venmo account and pay that way. Someone will be there to assist those who need any help.
The alumni also will be sponsoring three schools in Newton County by donating school supplies. In the fall of 2020, the alumni gave to Newton Elementary School and Newton County Elementary School. For 2021, the schools being helped are Newton Academy Elementary, Union Elementary School, and Conehatta Elementary.
Clarke College may have closed its doors in 1992, but the alumni of the school have not forgotten the hospitality of the town of Newton or Newton County. Former students continue to return to the area that was once called home. And with each trip back, they recall the memories of the community and the place on the small hill. A place called Clarke College.
