Sixty years after graduating from Lucy Addison High School, members of the Class of 1966 reunited on July 11 to tour their alma mater and give back to current students.
Laughter, old memories and stories filled the air from the time the alumni arrived until the reunion concluded. The cohort consisted of Tyrone Hodnett, Beverly Coleman, Gail Dawkins, Priscilla Casey, George Jones, Lester Ham, Naraye Lee, Oliver Jones, Francine McLaughlin, Gloria Pokes-Mann, James Bonds, Theodore Dooley and Norris Hopkins.
“The reunion highlighted the enduring spirit of our class. Even though our hair may be grayer now or gone in some cases, our school pride remains as strong as ever. The laughter came so easily. It felt as if the last 60 years had been nothing more than an extended summer break,” Ham said.
“Some of my fondest memories, and several of my closest friendships, can be traced to my time here. Our teachers were passionate about helping us reach our full potential. We were encouraged to chase our dreams,” Jones said. “I am so thankful for God allowing us to celebrate our 60th class reunion. I’m also thankful to all the classmates for their awesome participation and support. It was truly a day of love.”
After celebrating the milestone in grand style, Dawkins said “Our school experience touched our young lives in countless lasting ways. Those connections are still meaningful to us all these years later. Our donation reflects both our gratitude for what we were given as well as the hope that today’s students will benefit.”
The Class of ’66 presented Principal Jonathon Rosser with a new laptop and a $1,000 check before he gave them a tour of the building.
“Addison currently has about 630 students, of which about 70 percent are African American, 10 percent are white and the remaining consists of ELLs (English Language Learners),” said Rosser while walking them through the hallways. “Our students are hard-working and passionate about learning.”
Reliving the moments that shaped their formative high school years meant the world to the former classmates. “The reunion was celebrated in grand style with joy, praise, unity and fellowship,” said Coleman before Dooley replied, “We embraced, reconnected, took pictures, socialized and made a commitment to keep in touch with each other.”
Hodnett added, “I guess it is true that nothing makes you feel younger than being with those who knew you when you were actually younger.”
