Rain Ceased for the BTW Reunion Parade
The 2025 theme “Celebrating the Legacy Today & Beyond” was indeed just that as the Falls County Booker T. Washington Alumni & Ex-Students Educational Association (BTW) returned to their Marlin roots celebrating its 34th Annual School Reunion, July 4-6. The Class of 1975 was the honorees as they celebrated their 50th class anniversary. Additionally, the Class of 1965 (60 years) and Class of 1955 (70 years) were highlighted as part of the celebration.
The BTW school spirit hit the city early Friday, July 4. Scheduled reunionrelated activities were held at the BTW Alumni building. Under the leadership of Co-Chairs Carolyn Kiker King (c/o ’68), and (c/o ’75) Darlene Runnels Washington and Charlene Timms Clay, the committee worked tirelessly to ensure a “Welcome Home Wildcats” atmosphere to the estimated two hundredtwenty attendees. With pre-registration leading the pathway, retrieving registration packets and reunion tees was a breeze as it didn’t take long for “White become the new purple” reunion tees were revealed through the city.
Numerous classes met and dined at the local venues to reflect, renew old acquaintances, and make new connections. Several purchased additional tees and souvenir books to take back to family and friends.
A seasoned Alumni stated, “Facebook keeps everyone in the know as to what’s going on but nothing can compare to coming home and actually seeing one another!” There were alumni present who were attending for the first time.
The Reunion Mixer was held Friday night providing an evening of fun, delectable food, games, dancing and door prizes. Despite the continuous downpours, there were parade cancellation concerns. “Oh, but God!”, Beginning with a fine mist, the rain ceased to allow participants and spectators to enjoy the fruit of the BTW spirit. Special thanks to the local city and county first responders, as they prepared for the safety of spectators who lined the downtown streets on Saturday morning anticipating the traditional BTW Alumni parade. As reported by parade coordinator, Andrew McDonald, over 35 parade entries followed the lead car transporting the Parade Grand Marshal Ethelene Sherman Green.
(c/o of ’65) After the parade, to display BTW’s commitment to supporting the needs of the Marlin families and community, attendees were provided complimentary assorted deli sandwiches, chips, desserts, sodas and bottled water.
Later Saturday evening, “All dressed up with somewhere to go,” Alumni were embraced with breathtaking theme related decorations as they appeared for the dinner and dance. The Alumni were ecstatic as they continued to greet one another with hugs, fistbumps, and sharing happy moments and memories.
Entertainment included DJ services provided by DJ DeWayne of College Station. The BTW Marlin Chapter Raffle tickets winners were 1st prize-Harley Ursin (65” TV), 2nd prize-Annie Zephyr ($100 gift card), 3rd prize-Bernice Johnson ($75 value-Gift Basket) and 4th prize-Jordan Lynn ($50 Walmart card).
BTW National President, Kathyrn Lynn Kelly (c/o ’68) introduced the National Officers and Executive Board of Directors: Chevella Bell-Vice President, Marjorie Grayson Sharp-Recording Secretary Assistant, Linda Gude Canady-Treasurer, Billy Lawson, Chief Financial Officer, Rev. Rayford Butler, Chaplain, Joe Michael Pierce, Historian/Waco Chapter President, Elizabeth Richardson, Public Relations Officer/Marlin Chapter President, Sandra Hodges Sidle-Austin/San Antonio Chapter President, Andrew McDonald, Dallas Chapter President, Ernest Johnson-Ft. Worth Chapter and Linda Williams Porter, Houston Chapter President National President Kathyrn Kelly thanked the general body for its steadfast support and belief in her leadership. Kelly also noted the need for an increase in membership including recruiting the younger generation, outreach for fundraising decisions and the upcoming officer election. She reminded the attendees that “Everyone can make a difference, and everyone should try to make a difference by “rolling up their sleeves and contribute whatever way they can.”
Special awards were presented for leadership roles including a plaque to the local BTW Marlin Chapter as top souvenir book ad contributors.
The Alumni met on Sunday for discussion of reunion updates, financial reports, nominating and scholarship committees and exploration committee. Everyone agreed Reunion 2025 was enjoyed by all.
As the Class of 76 prepares and looks forward to Reunion 2026, the Alumni Association would like to thank the merchants and entire community for their extended support.