Booker T. Washington Alumni School Reunion events planned for June 30 and July 1
It’s that time of the year when a tidal wave of deep purple and old gold will journey through the city of Marlin as the Booker T. Washington Alumni & Ex-Students Educational Association (BTW) will again come together for its 31st School Reunion, June 30 and July 1.
The reunion theme is “Back 2gether Again 2023” and will recognize the Class of 1973 as they celebrate their 50th Class Anniversary. Over 154 are pre-registered for the social event. Carolyn Soders Matthews is the Reunion Chair.
A school where the principals and teachers instilled self-respect and joy in the accomplishments that were made, Booker T. Washington schools gave students pride in knowing where they came from and faith to believe they could be whatever their hearts desired. This pride is shown annually when former BTW students return for a celebration of the roots that propelled them into a future of successes. Local and former students, as well as members of the alumni affiliates, will represent all parts of the United States, including the six affiliates of Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin-San Antonio, Waco and of course, Marlin, their beginning.
Through the doors of opportunity provided at Booker T. Washington, Alumni have distinguished themselves in their endeavors in the fields of business, entertainment, education, the arts, engineering, judges, public servants, aviators, medicine, law, theology, and many others. The Alumni Association proudly recognized local 2023 Marlin High School graduating seniors with seven scholarships.
Reunion events will be held at the renowned BTW Alumni & Ex-Students Educational Association building, corner of Falls and Charles Streets. The doors will be open noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 30, for registration, fellowship and to re-acquaint. The Friday Welcome Home Wildcats Mixer is 7-11 p.m. Attendees who are not registered will pay a $5 entrance fee. Pre-registrants may enter free of charge. A night of games, prizes, and entertainment will spotlight the night. This is a BYOB event, and a live DJ music will be on site. If available, tee shirts will be sold at $25, souvenir journal and bags $15 each.
The annual Reunion parade is Saturday, July 1, at 10 a.m. Lineup will be at the old BTW grounds on South BTW Pkwy (Commerce St) and dismantle at the BTW Alumni building, corner of Falls at Charles Streets. There is no entry fee to participate in the parade. All interested participants are asked to decorate vehicles as they join the caravan of school spirit. Again, a major change is, as in so many years, the parade will not end at the Marlin High School campus. For more parade information, call Andrew at (214) 537-9933. Following the parade there will be a Hot Dog Give Away for the first 200 attendees at the BTW Alumni building.
Saturday night will feature a Banquet Dinner-Dance at the BTW building, cocktail attire. Only a few $40 dinner- dance tickets are available. Otherwise, no tickets will be sold at the door. The dance will feature local DJ Fred Fondren. The doors will open at 7 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. program. Dinner will be served at 7:45 p.m. Again, this is a BYOB event, however, set-ups will be available. Security will be on site.
The organization’s leadership consists of Kathryn Lynn, President, Ethelene Green, Vice President, Linda Porter, Recording Secretary, Marjorie Sharp, Asst. Recording Secretary, Linda Canady, Treasurer, Billy Lawton, Chief Executive Officer, Rayford Butler, Chaplain, and Sandra Massington, Parliamentarian. Current Chapter Presidents are Andrew McDonald (Dallas), Sandra Sidle (Austin-San Antonio), Elizabeth Richardson (Marlin), Joe Michael Pierce (Waco), James Soders (Houston), and Ernest Johnson ( Fort Worth).