ST. PETERSBURG — The African American Graduates of 1975, Inc., held its 40th class reunion Aug. 28–30 at the Dolphin Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach. The theme for the reunion was “Reunited, and it Feels So Good.”
All south Pinellas County high school graduates of 1975 were invited along with those who were seventh graders at Sixteenth Street Jr. High School during the 1969–70 school year.
Friday night’s meet and greet found the classmates and their guests enjoying karaoke, line dancing and a dance contest with Terri Newkirk Russell and Kenneth Davis taking top honors. The entertainment and activities were coordinated by Ralph Ferguson.
It was also a night to take a trip down memory lane as classmates reminisced about “the good old days” in elementary school, at Sixteenth Street Jr. High and their various high schools.
A formal dinner and prom was enjoyed by a capacity crowd Saturday night. The evening saw the classmates dressed in their after five finery and dining on a three-entrée buffet with all the trimmings and a beautifully decorated 40th year reunion cake sealed the “sweet cuisine” deal.
As emcees for the evening, Dr. Darall Moore and his son Darall Moore II, kept the program moving along with lively observations. Published poet, Maude “Candy” McDonald, read an original poem, which she dedicated to her classmates. Outgoing President Alverdean Robinson was presented with a plaque and token of appreciation for her service and leadership. Members of the executive board and class officers that served during her term were also acknowledged.
The election of class officers was held and Sandra Fletcher was voted as the new president. She will be installed along with the other newly elected officers next month. The evening was brought to a close with entertainment by classmate and recording artist Kayla Hill, whose Las Vegas type show kept the crowd on their feet.
DJ Jay G held the microphone down as he kept the classmates and guests on the dance floor until the end of the night.
The hearty breakfast buffet Sunday morning fulfilled the need for physical food. Classmate Reverend Arcilious “Sam” Mincey brought the Word to fulfill the need for spiritual food. Using the reunion theme, he spoke about being reunited with the One who truly matters (Mark 15:33-39).
A memorial tribute entitled “For Whom the Bells Toll,” was held in remembrance of deceased classmates. The reunion weekend closed out with remarks from classmates, soul-stirring inspirational prayers by classmates and the benediction by Mincey.
Installation of the new officers will be held Sat., Oct. 17 at the Enoch Davis Center from 4-7p.m. RSVP’s requested.
For additional information, please logon to www.theaag1975.com, their Facebook page, or call Ralph Ferguson, class contact person at (727) 328-8605 or Sandra Fletcher, vice president at (813) 920-5927 or dovesign22@hotmail.com
