William Fleming alumni revive school spirit at multi-class reunion
by Deborah Johns Moir
Keith Johnson wrestled for William Fleming (WF) as a student under Coach George C. “Kila” Miller. The 1988 graduate is now a head wrestling coach at Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, Georgia and has never forgotten the lessons of Coach Miller or the beauty of Roanoke.
For the last three years or so, Johnson has watched multiple classes coming back together in Georgia and was inspired to organize a reunion; he invited multiple classes of Fleming alumni to come together for the first time August 24 – 26, 2018.
About 20 Class Representatives became committee members. Coach George Miller represented all of the 70’s classes and one to two alum represented classes from 1980 through 1994. Permits were obtained, locations secured, and a really groovy weekend ensued. The William Fleming Alumni Weekend 2018 saw classes celebrating and bringing money back into Roanoke via food, hotel stays, rentals, and more. Attendees came from classes ranging from 1969 through the present.
Scheduled events kicked off Friday with a WF Alumni School Tour hosted by Former Coach Champ Hubbard, an alumnus from the Class of 1991. A Meet & Greet at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood led into “The Groove” featuring music by DJ Ten Grand at The Elephant Walk. Another “per class” or Alumni-wide event included a WF Alumni Golf Outing at Hanging Rock Golf Course Saturday morning hosted by Forrest Irving, Class of 1985.
The WF Alumni Cookout took place at Washinghton Park with music by DJ Hootie Mack, and the WF Alumni & Friends Old School BYOB All White Party at St. Elias Banquet Hall. The Class of 1983 also partied downtown Saturday night on the roof of The Center In The Square, around the Draper Rooftop Pond. Fellowshipping at Pilgrim Baptist Church on Sunday officially closed out the festive weekend.
One of the coordinators, Gloria Sullivan, Class of 1993, wrote on Facebook, “I just want to thank everyone that participated in the 1st alumni weekend. Without you guys, we could not have pulled it off. Special thanks to Toni (Gravely), Sonya (Mayo Saunders), and Ms. Chambers (Sonya’s mother)!! …l love you all!!”
“This past weekend was one of the best this summer! The William Fleming HS Alumni Reunion was everything that defines ‘a great time spent with family and friends!’ “ said Nerissa Rhodes, a Patrick Henry (PH) grad who attended. Several PH family members, spouses, and friends of WF Alum participated in the gatherings, some wearing shirts to the cookout that read “PH Party Crashers Just Bringing Some Crosstown Love”.
Johnson was pleased that the weekend was enjoyed by so many (several hundred). He was particularly happy that the city of Roanoke benefited in so many ways from the influx, ambassadorship, and momentum for future successes. “It was a good way to get together and do something positive. My vision was to reach out to each class; and we had a strong committee…Everybody pitched in and there was unity and giving….It was for William Fleming, but it was for the city, too.”
Attendees lodged at the Marriott, Sheraton and Holiday Inn. They patronized restaurants and various vendors. The classes collected and presented, money to Fleming, Lincoln Terrace Elementary School and to The Renaissance Academy (an affiliate of Rebounding Roanoke, founded by Fleming alum Jerel “Tank” Rhodes, Class of 1991).
Johnson commended the Roanoke City Sheriff’s department and WF alum Sheriff Tim Allen for contributing to the smooth flow of the weekend’s activities.
There was a tent for the WF coaches during the cookout, balloons released for deceased classmates and later, dancing on a rooftop (Class of ‘83). The Class of ‘88 celebrated their 30th anniversary and the Class of ‘83, their 35th.
Photos were taken by Alumni at the events including Vincent Willis, Class of 1983 who had great shots of several gatherings including the rooftop and white party gatherings.
Johnson said as successful as the event was, next year will be even bigger and better.
Considering the success of the event this year, Johnson said next year “will be even bigger and better.”
