African American Graduates of 1975 14th annual Old School Dance

ST. PETERSBURG — The African American Graduates of 1975, Inc. (AAG ‘75) held their 14th annual Old School Dance at the Ocean Palm Event Hall, Sat., Feb. 13.  The near capacity crowd of about 200 guests and classmates partied with a purpose. Funds raised from the annual dance supports the AAG ‘75 community service projects.

The evening held several highlights for the partygoers. Entertainment at this year’s dance was provided by The Bus Stop Band.  Their rendition of several chart topping hits as well as old classics kept the crowd on the dance floor.

Sofia Forte Catering provided a delicious array of hors d’oeuvre that satisfied the appetite. The amazing gift baskets offered during the raffle had the winners smiling with delight. The grand prize, valued at over $300, was won by Kristina “Red” Rembert.

The newly elected officers for the current term were presented and made their public debut. The new AAG ‘75 officers and Standing Committee Chairs are:

• Sandra Fletcher, President
• Madge Sanders Cooks, Vice President
• Bernita Franklin, Recording Secretary
• Maude “Candy” McDonald, Corresponding Secretary
• Ralph Ferguson, Treasurer
• Valerie Balloon, Asst. Treasurer
• Kenneth Davis, Parliamentarian
• Patricia Davis, Sergeant-at-Arms 
• Shirley McCullough Cromartie, Contact Person
• Dena Walker, Chair-Fundraising 
• Denise O’Neal, Chair-Community Affairs
• Vinda Bacon Moore, Co-Chair Community Affairs (Act Rec. Secretary)

As an organization, the AAG ‘75 remains united and believes in giving back to the community. During the year, donations are given to various community groups such as the youth departments at local churches, the annual Back to School Bash, the Angel Tree Ministry, Next STEPP Pregnancy Center, the senior citizens program at Enoch Davis Center and the Rosa Jackson Community Thanksgiving Dinner, just to name a few.

In 2016, the AAG ‘75 plans to take their community service projects to the next level with a greater emphasis directed towards the youth and education.

The next class meeting is Mon., Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Enoch Davis Community Center.  For additional AAG ‘75 information, please visit www.theaag1975.com.  Like them on Facebook @ The African American Graduates of 1975.

 For more information on the organization, please contact Sandra Fletcher at (727) 321-1034 or Ralph Ferguson at (727) 386-6805.

AAG ’75 is a non-profit organization comprised of students who were in the seventh grade at 16th Street or Southside Junior High Schools during the 1969-70 school year and scheduled to graduate from Gibbs High School in 1975. When integration was implemented for the 1971-72 school year, they were subsequently separated and assigned to Boca Ciega, Dixie Hollins, Gibbs, Lakewood, Northeast and St. Petersburg High Schools.