Booker T. Washington 1944 & 1945 Graduates Celebrate Their 70th and 71st Class Reunion

By Doreatha Joyner
Special to the New Journal and Guide
 
On December 30, 2015 the Booker T. Washington High School Alumni Classes of 1944 and 1945 celebrated their 70th and 71st Class Reunions with a banquet at the Murray Center Taste N See, Brambleton Avenue,  Norfolk.

Representing different BTW classes, different schools, and all ages, the guests arrived elegantly dressed creating an atmosphere of dignity. The reunion honorees showed their spirit, soul, and pride of their beloved Alma Mater.  They greeted each other with smiles, hugs and by name which seemed to bridge the  time gap between their last meetings.

Once escorted to the banquet hall, the BTW Alumni and guests were immediately entertained by D.J. Christopher Copland, Sr.  Throughout the afternoon, he played a mixture of “oldies but goodies” and line dances from “The MADISON” to “The NAE-NAE.” Needless to say, BTW ’44 &’45 ROCKED THE HOUSE.
Major Riddick began the program with a welcome, prayer, and the  purpose for the event.  Next a wonderful buffet luncheon of BBQ ribs, baked chicken, pasta, vegetables, rolls and dessert was served. During this time, music was provided by alumnus Tyrone Noble and his magical keyboard.

Continuing the program, Reverend William Collins entertained everyone as he sang a medley of inspirational songs which included his signature song, “America the Beautiful” followed by a sing along.  
At the section designated for reflections, attendees were invited to share fond memories of their time at BTW and a time capsule of events from the neighborhood, classroom, and the “Norfolk 17” was emotionally shared.

For the grand finale, the DJ led all into another sing along and provided music that provided motivation to get on the floor and ROCK THE HOUSE!!!
The class reunion done in fine style from beginning to end was entertaining, emotionally fulfilling, and elegantly fashionable  as it  boast to everyone that the
Booker T. Washington High School Classes of 1944 and 1945 are living and loving life!!