Clinton, MS

Clinton High School in Clinton, Mississippi could soon become the state's very first "green" certified school. The school board just needs to decide whether to partake in the $1.5 million environmental project or not.

The school board is currently considering a contract with Siemens Business Technologies to improve functions at several of the district's schools, including climate control, water and lighting conservation. Northside Elementary will be the only exception because a new school is being built to replace it.

Once Clinton High School is designated as a "green" school through Siemens' Green Globes program, it will be a huge step toward energy performance. "Going green" means the district will have added energy savings while continuing to look out for the environment.

A lengthy checklist is involved that looks at the entire building from the rooftop all the way down to the sewage to help ensure that every possibility for efficient energy use was taken.

If Clinton High School is successful, the district may then look to do the same to Clinton Park Elementary and other schools in the future. However, the older schools will not be on the list. It is just too costly to pursue the Green Globes standards and upgrades to older schools.

"Going green" and being aware of the environment is such a huge deal right now that the district is interest in doing all it can for its part to help save money.

While several districts in the state are partaking in the Siemens energy program, none have yet to qualify for the Green Globes status. Clinton High School is hoping to be the first. The savings from "going green" will pay for the project.

Everything is still in the finalization state, which calls for a 15 year lease/purchase agreement. Annual savings of around $127,000 in energy costs and $5,000 in operating costs will cover the payments.

Not only will this be a great achievement for Clinton High School, but it will be great for the community of Clinton, Mississippi as well. Even in today's hectic economy, "going green" is still very important.

Garaywa is Clinton, Mississippi's best kept secret. Even as you step through the gates, you'll find yourself immersed in tranquility. Spanish moss draped trees sway in the wind and wooden park benches hold the promise of relaxation, rest, or pray. Camp Garaywa truly completes the community of Clinton. It spreads out over 50 acres that's connected to the Countrywood subdivision and is owned by the Women's Missionary Union of Mississippi.

Even though Camp Garaywa sits in the midst of the city and doesn't look like much from the outside, it's a like stepping into another world, once you pass through the gates. Many campers that utilize the camp are Southern Baptists, but the camp is open to all dominations which you will find throughout the area.

The camp started out as a dream of Edwina Robinson. At the time, the area was nothing more than cow pasture land, owned by Mississippi College. Edwina traveled around the state speaking to several Baptist churches about her dream. In turn, they would donate some lumber or a box of nails. Soon, with much help from volunteers, her dream became a reality when it opened in May 1947.

The name Garaywa came from a youth group leader from Blue Mountain, the winner of the camp naming contest. The group leader combined the initials of the of the groups the camp was going to serve. GA for Girls Auxiliary, RA for Royal Ambassadors and YMA for Young Women's Auxiliary. And you have it - GARAYWA.

Camp facilities include 20 cabins, a dining hall, an activities building, a lodge with 30 hotel rooms, an auditorium, a guest house with 6 rooms and 28 beds, the Patterson Place, a conference room with kitchen, a prayer garden, crafts pavilions, picnic areas, a gazebo, swimming pools, nature trails and rope courses.

During the summer, the camp is used as a Girls Auxiliary camp for ages 4-6. The rest of the year, the camp is open to everyone. So, next time you're in Clinton, Mississippi, be sure to visit Camp Carawya for an experience you'll never forget.