Reunions: A chance to give something back to the community

Hundreds of Wayne County high school graduates came home this weekend to celebrate not only their school days, but to remember those who gave them their start.

The Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni and Central High School reunions were more than just a chance for old friends to get together. They were a chance to give back, too, and to acknowledge the work that went into helping these men and women build futures and families.

There was still plenty of fun, a parade, a couple of dances and lots of picnics and dinners, but these alumni never missed a chance to let anyone know who would listen that they understood the chance they were given by the hard work of teachers, administrators and the support of their peers. They celebrated heritage, history and most of all, friends.

And at the Dillard/Goldsboro reunion, alumni made sure they provided the same opportunities for the next generation through generous donations to the group’s scholarship fund. Many recent high school graduates will get a hand with their college bills because of the work of these alumni.

Remembering where you came from isn’t easy these days. Careers and families take people far away from home. Busy schedules, busy lives make it tougher to come up with the time to come home. Having the chance to come back and reminisce and to pay back a little of the support you were given is a blessing.

Both groups should be proud of their turnouts, the legacies they honor and the examples they provide of what you can do when you take advantage of opportunities.

Published in Editorials on June 1, 2005 10:55 AM