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Middleton And Blake Class Of 1960 United For First Joint Class Reunion
The graduation classes of Middleton Senior High School and Howard W. Blake High School recently joined together to celebrate their 55th year since completing high school by journeying together for a trip to Washington, D.C. (August 4, 2015).
To many of the classmates, this inaugural joint reunion was the reunion of all reunions.
Many of the 1960 graduates of the Middleton class had at- tended Blake during their ninth grade year in school. Prior to then, they were together in grades one to six when they at- tended the schools of West Tampa, including Dunbar Ele- mentary and Carver Junior High for grades 7-8. Carver closed in 1956 when Blake opened to serve grades 7-12 while Middleton continue to serve class grades 10-12.
After years of buzz, the cur- rent two class presidents – Chester White of Middleton and Wilbert Malphus of Blake – discussed the possibil- ity of their 1960 classes coming together for a joint class re- union. Each took this idea to their classmates, where it was overwhelming received.
The joint classes decided to travel by train to Washington, D.C., for their first venture to- gether. Yes, that’s right – trav- eled by train. While details of the entire train ride are a story to be told at another time, it was a memorable trip. Sites vis- ited included the Martin Luther King Monument, the Holocaust Museum, the Federal Mint, the
U. S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, Howard University, Georgetown and many other notable places.
There was very little sleep during the 20-hour ride. But, there was lots of laughter – jokes – lies – old memories were brought forth including quips such as “sleeping with the enemy,” as there had been such a strong high school rivalry for so many years. In summary, beloved memories were made; non-judgmental chatter, con- siderate compliments, pure ex- citement, and just good old fashioned camaraderie filled the time.
As the 50 or so travelers sat around, many realized that some of their best friends were absent; several unfortunately, because they had passed on. However, fond memories of them were present. Remarks heard included: “Oh! I forgot him or her,” “She was nice,” or “He was funny.” There are those who may have thought that they were in touch with everyone they needed to have contact with. WRONG! “Should old acquaintances be forgotten and never brought to mind?” NO! In fact, steps are being taken to provide more opportu- nities for the two groups to spend more time together in the future. The classes are look- ing forward to future joint events.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO Betty Dukes White and her committee for making the arrangements for the unforget- table class reunion.
JUANITA WILLIAMS
BARBARA WRIGHT
Natalie Preston-Washington and son, Luke Washington.
Patricia Diggs, Ft. Worth, Texas.
Rosalyn Brown and Zeron Dexter.
Delores Henderson, Candace Webb, Natalie Preston-Washington, and Jacqueline Preston.
Barbara Mann, Willie Ruth Horton, and Wanda Wormack.
Chester White, Jr., Theresa Clark, and Patricia Malphus.
Viola Fitzgerald, Vincent Vines (Motor Coach Driver), Delores Henderson, Paula Gaskins, and Julia Halyard.
Claudia Ross, Theresa Clark, Sanford Ross, Jalona Spires, Queen Mock-Fleming, Georgia Nelson, Jacqueline Wilks, Gloria Nelson, Jacqueline Preston, Luke Washington, and Wilbert Malphus (kneel- ing).
Alberta
daughter, Gina Bellenger.
Campbell and
Jacqueline Wilks and Larry Cobb.
PAGE 12 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015