CCTS/Woodford High Class of 1966 celebrates 50 years
Published 4:21 pm Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Pictured are, first row from left to right, Mabel Bodiford Williams, Irene Dorsey Lowery, Lessie Smith, Elaine Jones Pluckett, Lizzie Bedgood Morris and Willie Steen Downing Golden-Green. Pictured are, second row from left to right, Bennie McDonald, Lamar Kendrick, Jeanette Colston Merrills, Nadine Patterson Smith, Linda Peterson Long, Mattie Johnson, Charlie Merritt, Louise Stringer Hibbs, Christine Cantlow King , Jesse Salter, Jr., Raymond Riley, Samuel Stough and Johnny Lowery. Not pictured are Voncile Bozeman Harris, Girtha Wilkerson thompson and Hurriah Stroud.
SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL:
The Crenshaw County Training School/Woodford Avenue High School alumni held their fifth biennial reunion in Luverne during the Memorial Day weekend. The Class of 1966 was honored as they celebrated their 50th class reunion.
Registration began on Friday, May 27 at the Crenshaw County Board of Education Central Office, formerly the site of CCTS/Woodford High.
The events began on Friday evening at the Harbin Center with a Gospel Fest and a fish fry with Rev. Johnny Lowery presiding. Greeting were given by Dr. Boyd English, Superintendent of Crenshaw County Schools. The groups that participated with songs of praise and inspiration were: The Community Choir, The BLJ’s, Endless Joy and The Lowery Brothers. A fish dinner was served with Linda Griffin-Sims in charge.
On Saturday, May 28 a picnic was held at the Harbin Center with the alumni president Gwendolyn Darget presiding. The welcome was given by Mrs. Martha Thomas and greetings for the City of Luverne were extended by assistant police chief, David Sankey.
Attendees enjoyed several table games and a dance showcase by the Strykers Allstarz, director J. Abroms. Lily Jones recognized the athletes and other extracurricular groups. Music was played by DJ Roy. A picnic lunch was served.
On Saturday evening, a dinner/dance was held with Mrs. Helen S. Williams presiding. Greetings were extended by city councilman Charlie Johnson, and Mrs. LaFreda Griffin, community education director representing the BOE. All program participants were members of the graduating Class of 1966.
Mrs. Linda Peterson Long gave the welcome and occasion. A memoriam for the deceased members of the class was conducted by Ms. Mabel Bodiford Williams and Charlie Merritt. The speaker, Mrs. Williesteen Downing Green, was introduced by Mrs. Lizzie Bedgood Morris.
A delicious and tasteful dinner was served by Amazing Grace Catering Service. After dinner was served, other program participants were: a musical selection by The Lowery Brothers; roll call of classes, Mrs. Nadine Patterson Smith; recognition of teachers and staff, Mrs. Jeanette Colston Merrills and Samuel Stough; Bennie McDonald made special presentations to the oldest alumnus, Verbie Holston; the alumnus that traveled the farthest, Samuel Stough; and the first to register, Annie L. May. Ms. Yvonne Noble presented souvenir gifts to the class of ’66.
The alma mater was lead by a former music teacher, Mrs. Dorothy Carter. A dance followed the dinner with David Noble playing the music.
Members of the local planning committee were as follows: Gwendolyn Darget, president; Helen S. Williams, vice president; Vallie Crenshaw, secretary; Barbara Kite, financial secretary; Comer Kite, treasurer; Yvonne Noble, scholarship and souvenir booklet chair; Linda Sims, Bennie McDonald, Martha Thomas, Lit Jones, Reginald Green, Mabel Williams, Linda Long, Johnny Lowery and Teletha Jackson.
It was a busy but enjoyable weekend, reminiscing, renewing and updating friendships. Everyone is looking forward to 2018. The Alumni Association awarded scholarships totaling $2,700.
