Clinton Ambassadors welcome new assistant director

Special to The Clinton Courier

Melody Rawls

The Clinton Ambassadors will soon welcome Melody Rawls as the new assistant director for the 2025–26 school year. She joins director Erin Linton on the leadership team and steps into the role following Alison Custer’s transition to Clinton High School’s growing choral program.

Rawls is a graduate of Pearl High School and The University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. While at Southern Miss, she sang with the Concert Choir, Southern Chorale and Spirit of Southern, and completed her student teaching at Long Beach Senior High School.

“I’m so excited to welcome Melody Rawls!” said Linton. “Her passion and talent will be a wonderful addition to our choral program at Clinton Junior High School (CJHS). I know she will inspire our singers, bring fresh energy and ideas, and help continue the tradition of excellence we’re so proud of here at Clinton Junior High. We’re lucky to have her on board!”

Rawls says she is passionate about creating a supportive and energetic classroom where students can grow as musicians and as people. When she’s not in the choir room, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying new coffee orders, baking and spoiling her two dogs.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Arrow family and can’t wait to make music with the incredible students at CJHS,” said Rawls.

Custer, who served as assistant director of the Ambassadors since 2013, will now join Carol Joy Sparkman as an additional choral director at Clinton High School. Her new role reflects the continued growth of the CHS choral program, where she will work with the choirs and the school’s two competitive a cappella groups.