Dillard/Goldsboro alumni gather for fellowship, memories
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on May 24, 2015 1:50 AM
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News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
Members of the Dillard High School Class of 1965 wave to friends and family from a float during Saturday's parade.
Hundreds of alumni of Dillard and Goldsboro high schools jammed the streets of south Goldsboro on Saturday to celebrate their 60th annual reunion, with floats, pageant queens and marching bands.
The annual Dillard-Goldsboro reunion drew graduates from all over the United States to see old classmates and to renew old bonds.
"It's the comraderie," said LaTerrie Ward, who is a member of the Class of 1973. "People look forward to combing back and seeing old classmates. As soon as you know its coming, you start getting excited about it."
The event, which seems to grow each passing year, has become a long-standing tradition in which classmates meet to celebrate the history of the two schools with non-stop activities throughout the weekend.
"It's dedication and the love of the tradition of the school and the organization" said Helen Coley-Harris, who is a member of the Class of 1960, referring to the old Dillard High and the alumni association.
"We want to carry on the traditions of our forefathers who founded this organization," said Doris Artis, another member of the Class of '60.
The weekend is not just about parties and traditions, the alumni said.
"We love each other," said Nettie Sherard-Crossman, a member of the Class of 1965. "It's the comraderie we developed in high school that brings us back every year. We grew up together. We were playmates."
William Solomon drove from Pontiac, Mich., to be part of the festivities. Another member of the Class of '65, he said he comes back for the event to see old friends and to enjoy the fun of sharing memories.
"It's meeting up with people I haven't see in I don't know when," he said.
Events were to continue Saturday night with a dance and today with worship services and a picnic. The weather couldn't have been any better, many people said as the sun shone brightly and temperatures hovered in the 70s.
Many people lined up for the annual parade credited the late H.V. Brown with starting the tradition. The Dillard principal helped create the pride that carries on today with the tradition of the homecoming, several people said.
"It was his idea to bring the graduates home and to give back to next generation," said Patricia Burden, a member of the Class of 1965.
"It's that togetherness we've always had as a class," said Thad Flowerers, another member of the Class of 1965. "We've always banded together. We just really enjoy each other's company."
"It's always great to come home to see friends and family," said classmate Brenda Edwards Roberts, who came from Norfolk, Va., to be a part of the celebration. "We have so many fond memories. It's always a great time."
Ann Rowe of Goldsboro said she looks forward every year to seeing old friends from out of town return for the reunion.
"It's getting back acquainted," she said.
"I think it has to do with tradition and values," said Marcus Croom of Oak Park, Ill., who traveled a thousand miles to see old friends. "It's a tradition centered on the values we share, the values that hold us together. We want our children to be a part of what we came from."
Darryl Hunter of the Class of 1990 said the lessons he learned in high school have helped guide him through life. He came from St. Louis, Mo., to join the fun.
"This is what helped me get to where I am," he said, looking at the crowd around him lining up for the morning parade. "Basically, these are students with pride. We've never forgotten that."
"It's the friendships," said Angela Bently-Pederson of the Class of 1980, "and the opportunity to renew those friendships."
Anita Phillips, another member of the Class of 1980, said seeing friends from childhood is a special feeling.
"It's a bond that's unbroken," she said.
Charles Williams is a member of the Class of 1960. He credited H.V. Brown with instilling pride in his students, a pride the carry to this day.
"It stems from him," Williams said. "That's where that pride comes from. It's passed on down through the generations, that pride, that zeal."