BTW Alumni celebrate 30th reunion
The Booker T. Washington (BTW) Alumni & Ex-Students Educational Association 30th School Reunion was celebrated Friday through Sunday, July 1-3. The reunion honored the BTW-Commerce St.- MHS Class of 1972 as the class celebrated its 50th class anniversary. The reunion theme was “Separated by Fate, Connected by Love in Celebration of the Legacy.”
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 success. The weekend events were attended by local and former students including the six BTW chapter affiliates of Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin-San Antonio, Waco and of course, their beginning, Marlin. Through the doors of opportunities provided at BTW, Alumni & Ex-Students 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.
All reunion events were held at the renowned BTW Alumni & Ex-Students Educational Association building, corner of Falls and Charles Streets. The National business meeting was July 1 which included the election of the new National administration for the next four years: Kathryn Lynn, President, Ethelene Green, Vice President, Linda Porter, Recording Secretary, Marjorie Sharp, Asst. Recording Secretary, Linda Canady, Treasurer, Billy Lawton, Financial Secretary, Rayford Butler, Chaplain, and Sandra Massington, Parliamentarian. Current Chapter Presidents are Andrew McDonald, Dallas, Sandra Sidle, Austin, Elizabeth Richardson, Marlin, Michael Pierce, Waco, James Soders, Houston and Ernest Johnson, Ft. Worth.
The traditional meet and greet mixer followed. The annual reunion parade was Saturday, July 2. Decorated vehicles joined the caravan displaying their school spirit. Following the parade, the general assembly, featuring the class of ’72, was held with Billy Lawton presiding. After greetings from the Marlin chapter president, Elizabeth Richardson, city and county dignitaries welcomed the attendees. Mrs. Bobbie Milton, c/o ’53, was the theme speaker and outgoing National President, Mrs. Byrolyn McDonald, c/o ’62, presented the President’s Message. The reunion picnic was catered by K T Ranch BBQ. After a few moments of rest and relaxation, Saturday evening was highlighted with the annual reunion dance. Attendees were fashionably chic as they continued to rekindle friendships and acquaintances. On Sunday, July 5, was the worship service with Rev. Durrell, class of ’74, presiding. The morning message was brought by c/o ’72 Rev. Jerry Ward of the Greater Bethany Baptist Church-Marlin.
The weekend activities ended with an Executive Board meeting and installation of officers. Although the attendance was lower than usual, it was obvious throughout the weekend, classmates were happy to see each other in person. Due to the Covid pandemic, the last in person reunion was 2019. The BTW Reunion brought heads to the beds and left money for the economy.