Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 1-10-20

Feature
Plans For Historic 2020 Reunion Of Original Young Jr. High Alumni Completed; Registration Now Open
From its opening in Jan- uary 1964, until June of 1971, Nathan B. Young Jun- ior High was the beloved ed- ucational and social hub for hundreds of Belmont Heights and Jackson Heights teens.
The school was named in honor of Nathan B. Young, a Florida educator, who served as President to Florida A & M University from 1901-1923. He is truly remembered for stating, "Young People, Prepare Yourselves, for the future is yours...if you are ready for it."
Affectionately known as the home of the Mighty Buf- faloes, Young’s galvanizing early years were brought to an end when, in June 1971, the school district was re- structured, thus marking the end of a bygone era.
Done were the glory days of Young’s winning athletic teams. Done were the per- formances of their ac- claimed marching band with its drum major and team of majorettes. And done was the mutual sense that the community be- longed to the school and the school belonged to the com-
The committee members in attendance were, front row: Mar- garette Brown, Gloria Rodgers-Jacobs, Nita Black-James, Jessica Isaac, and Carolyn Taylor. Back row: Bonnye Hall-Crews, co-chair, Jerome Brown, Pat Smith, Sybil Kay Andrews, co-chair, Eddie Brown,and Michael Fesser.
munity.
Since that initial conver-
sion, Young Jr. High School has endured numerous changes. But the legacy of its first student bodies and faculties stands strong. And now, fifty-six years later, we find that among Young’s “original herd” are commu- nity leaders, ministers, jour- nalists, artists, business owners, politicians, educa- tors of all levels, musicians, athletes, medical profes- sionals, activists, attorneys, veterans, and countless oth- ers who have made and con- tinue to make positive contributions to society.
While many of the alumni from those early years have maintained the friendships forged back in the day, others haven’t seen their old classmates since leaving their dear school, which is why a 2020 reu- nion has been planned.
The reunion idea was discussed between alumni members Michelle An- drews Foster, who now resides in Mobile, Alabama and retired educator, Bon- nye Hall Crews in May of 2019. After the initial dis- cussion, Hall Crews had a discussion with her besties, Kay Andrews, Nita
Black James and Faye Brannon Brown (married to classmate Eddie Brown) in July, 2019 and the plan was put into mo- tion. Bonnye Hall Crews and Kay Andrews, took on the roles of co-chairs to see what interest former classmates had in getting to- gether, to visit venues and review overall costs and ideas.
The Sheraton Brandon was chosen. The hotel has undergone major renova- tions and the costs were rea- sonable and have a superb Catering Director. They also provided a block of rooms for the event.
A committee meeting was held on October 31, 2019, for classmates inter- ested in helping with the plans and to give feedback. Those that attended were: Margarette Brown, Glo- ria Rodgers-Jacobs, Nita Black-James, Jes- sica Isaac, Carolyn Tay- lor, Bonnye Hall Crews, Jerome Brown, Pat Smith, Sybil Kay An- drews, Eddie Brown and Michael Fesser. Commit- tee members not in atten- dance were Kathy Leeks Campbell, Karen Wells Walden, Cheryl Russ Danzey and Michelle An- drews Foster.
So, if you were a member of the faculty or staff or were a 7th, 8th or 9th grade student at Young Jr. High from 1964 through June of 1971, it is time to register to attend a weekend of events: October 9 - 10, 2020.
You can register for all events, or just pay for the event you want to attend. All monies and registra- tion forms must be re- ceived by April 1, 2020. See the registration in- formation and form in today’s edition.
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