The newly formed Clinton High School Alumni Association presented a first of many annual alumni association awards to graduate J.C. Smith at the CHS Academic Excellence Banquet on April 25, 2012.  Mr. Smith was honored by the Alumni Association Board with the Distinguished Alumni Award for his “personal commitment to the betterment of our schools, our students, and our community.”

CHS Alumni Association President Michael Harrison presented the Award to Smith.  Dr. Harrison remarked, "I was honored to present J.C. Smith with the very first Distinguished Alumni Award given by the CHS Alumni Association. As a lifelong resident and leader in our community, J.C. has shown time and time again that just residing in a community is not enough. You don't find many people that are willing to give back the way that J.C. has!"

The CHS Alumni Association, established in 2011, has created a Board that is committed to identifying ways to involve area alumni in efforts to promote alumni cohesion while fostering a supportive relationship with the Clinton School District.  In February a kick-off event was held to offer memberships to not only CHS alumni but also “associate” memberships to family members and community members.  The response was very enthusiastic and over 175 alumni and community members became charter members.