By Evelyn L. Wall

Special to the News-Herald

Love for a school brought 110 former students from the former Booker T. Washington High School and their guests together for their 27th bi-annual celebration on the weekend of July 10-12 at the Hilton Garden Inn on East Constance Road.

On Friday, a registration and fellowship period kicked off the celebration, and a dinner-dance was held from 6 p.m. to midnight. A short program before dinner was held to recognize students from classes 1964 and 1965 in observance of their 51st and 50th anniversaries.

A special recognition period was held for the class of 1954, which was the first graduating class from the new Booker T. Washington High School on Walnut Street. Edna Chambliss Thompson, a student from that class, gave a brief summary of what it was like experiencing this kind of history. In addition, Rita Vincent Fleetwood and McCoy Parker from the class of 1965 gave special recognition to that class in observance of their 50th anniversary.

A candle lighting period and a moment of silence followed in memory of deceased students who had died since the last reunion was held in July 2013.

Mistress of Ceremony Evelyn Wall called off classes by years and asked students to come to the middle of the floor when their graduation year was called. When the last year was called, students formed a circle and sang their Alma Mater. This recognition period was followed by a dance with music by Benford Hunter, DJ for the event.

On Saturday, a breakfast was held followed by a business meeting. A short program included greetings and a letter of congratulations from the city, presented by Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett. In addition, Gail Hinton Copeland, president of the alumni association, introduced special guests Dr. David Reitz and Mrs. Gwendolyn Williams, principal and assistant principal of Booker T. Washington Elementary School, who also gave greetings.

Copeland introduced scholarship recipients, who were as follows: India Pusey, Antoneah Daughtry-Johnson, Cameron Hatchett, Lisha Barnes and Sydney Ward. Each student gave a brief summary of their educational goals, and Edna Thompson read goals for her grandson, Hatchett, in his absence.

The alumni association elected the following officers to serve for the next two years: Gail Hinton-Copeland, president; Vivian Vines Tuner, vice president; Evelyn Lee Wall, secretary; Rita Vincent Fleetwood, assistant secretary; Florine Colbert Cooper, financial secretary; Ted Vincent, treasurer; and Ronald Hart, treasurer of the scholarship fund.

Following the business meeting, Gaines Bus Service transported the students to Norfolk for the Spirit of Norfolk boat ride.

On Sunday, a worship service was held with Elder James Butts giving the morning message. His sermon was taken from Philippians 3:12-16. Second Chance Gospel Ensemble under the direction of Earlene Davis-Lee sung gospel selections.

Ceylon Mitchell, of the class of 1968, traveled the farthest — from Anchorage, Alaska — to attend his first school reunion.

“This was one of the best and most beautiful events that I have ever attended,” he said. “The planning community did an excellent job. It was also great being back in Suffolk to see how the city has really grown since I have been gone. I can’t wait until 2017 to attend the next school reunion.”