Old School Dance

The African American Graduates of 1975 (AAG‘75) held their 12th Annual Old School Dance at the Orange Blossom Event Hall Sat., Feb. 15. Guests could be seen partying hard at this sold-out event.

The African American Graduates of 1975, Inc., is a non-profit organization comprised of students who were in the eighth grade and attended 16th Street Junior High School during the 1970-71 school year. These students would have graduated from high school in 1975.

Mass integration was implemented in the 1971-72 school year and the eighth graders from 16th Street Jr. High were assigned to one of the six south county high schools (Boca Ciega, Dixie Hollins, Gibbs, Lakewood, Northeast or St. Petersburg).

As the 10-year high school anniversary of the scattered 16th Street Jr. High School alumni approached, very few classmates received reunion information from their respective high school. Therefore, a few classmates in the community got together and created the organization in 1985 to unite the Class of 1975 and plan the class reunion. A very successful 10-year reunion was held in June of 1985.

As an organization, the AAG‘75 remains united and believes in giving back to the community. Quarterly, a donation is made to the youth department of a local church during their “Worshipping with Classmates” Sunday. They are also committed to an ongoing partnership with St. Mark MB Church for the “Back to School Bash” resulting in donations of school supplies for area youth. AAG’75 supports Angel Tree Ministry, Next STEPP Pregnancy Center, Sickle Cell Disease Association and the Senior Citizens Program at Enoch Davis Center.

Entertainment at this year’s dance was provided by Hiram Hazely and Magic, featuring “Imagination.”   Imagination’s rendition of the Temptations songs were a hit with the crowd.  A special guest soloist joined the band on Prince’s “Purple Rain” and then wowed the crowd with some blues on his harmonica.

Awesome prizes were given away such as dinner for two at Bern’s Steakhouse, dinner and a cruise for two aboard the Starlight Majesty and several well-stocked gift baskets were won during the raffle. Good food, fellowship and fun were had by all who attended.

This year’s annual dance was the kick-off for the planning of their 40th Class Reunion. Over 20 classmates signed in and updated their contact information. The 40th Class Reunion will be held in August 2015.

The next class event is the quarterly “Worshiping with Classmates,” which will be held March 9. Classmates will visit United Community Church, 2501 Pinellas Point Drive S., St. Petersburg, for the 10 a.m. service. Classmates are encouraged to visit them on Facebook or log onto theaag1975.com for the latest updates. The AAG’75 Class President is Alverdean Robinson.