Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni and Friends marks 62nd anniversary
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on May 22, 2017 8:07 AM
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The annual homecoming for Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni and Friends Inc. will be held this week, from Thursday, May 25 through Sunday, May 28.
This year marks the 62nd anniversary of the organization. The celebration is traditionally held during Memorial Day weekend.
The homecoming welcomes graduates of Dillard and Goldsboro high schools back to the community, with an array of activities planned to celebrate the group's role in education and service.
The national organization has grown over the years and continues to expand. It already boasts chapters in Goldsboro, Atlanta, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
There is talk about new chapters in the tri-city area of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill as well as a Charlotte chapter anticipating being added to the list.
The event, which starts Thursday evening and runs through Sunday, packs out area hotels as it can draw more than 10,000 former students and families back to the area.
In addition to a variety of activities, this year's celebrating classes are those ending in the number "2" and "7." Class reunions, banquets, dances and picnics across the community will be taking place.
The association's oldest member, Eddie Moses, a member of the D.C. chapter, will also be honored, said Janet Barnes, one of the organizers.
Service, and scholarship, are a big part of the alumni group, so it is only fitting that the festivities kick off with that in mind.
On Thursday evening, the scholarship and awards program will be held in the Goldsboro High School auditorium, starting at 7 p.m.
Graduating seniors from Wayne County and other areas will be awarded more than $61,5000 in scholarships this year, Ms. Barnes said.
Membership tickets can also be purchased during the event and used for admission to a reception following the program, as well as admission to the alumni dance and picnic on Saturday.
Saturday events start at 10 a.m. with a parade in downtown Goldsboro. The route begins on S. Center Street.
Entry forms for the parade are available at the group's headquarters on Poplar Street. Car flags can also be purchased.
A picnic will follow at noon on the campus of the Dillard/Goldsboro alumni headquarters.
The "Young at Heart Dance" will be held at the H.V. Brown Hall on Saturday night from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $20.
The traditional Sunday morning worship will take place at H.V. Brown Hall, at 11 a.m. In its 15th year, elder Gary Packer from the Class of 1979 will deliver the message. Music will be provided by the DGAF choir.
The campus will also be open to all classes for their respective picnics after the service.
At 5 p.m. the weekend will conclude with a gospel concert by the Haskins Community Choir. Vendors are also welcome, Ms. Barnes said.
For more information on the association or homecoming, call Ms. Barnes at 919-738-7331.