'Black Panther' actor keynote speaker at Norwayne homecoming
By Sierra Henry
Published in News on August 29, 2018 5:50 AM
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Stanley Aughtry Jr.
The Norwayne Alumni and Friends will celebrate its 46th annual homecoming week with several events starting Friday.
"This is something that has been going on for years in terms of homecoming weekend," said Larry Jones, alumni president.
"This is a big thing for us."
Since 1976, the alumni association has given out more than 400 scholarships to high school students in Wayne County and in the country with donations and proceeds from the homecoming banquet.
Last year, they awarded 19 scholarships ranging from $450 to $900 each.
"Quite a bit of planning, fundraising, and recruitment of volunteers have gone into the activities for this year's homecoming," Jones said.
"We are expecting the largest turnout ever as a result of the opportunity to connect with friends, the banquet venue location change, and the notoriety of our keynote speaker."
Homecoming weekend events will begin Friday with a meet-and-greet reception, hosted by the Norwayne Alumni from 6 to 7 p.m. at St. James Church Fellowship Hall, 514 Memorial Church Road, in Fremont.
A town hall meeting will follow from 8 to 10 p.m.
On Saturday, activities start at 6 a.m. in Fremont with a 5k fun walk and run, followed by a parade and cookout.
The 46th annual Norwayne Alumni and Friends homecoming banquet will be held Saturday from 6 to 8:45 p.m. at the Maxwell Center. Doors open at 5 p.m.
The sold-out event is expected to draw close to 600 people this year, organizers say.
The keynote speaker this year is Stanley Aughtry Jr., graduate of Goldsboro High School and actor, known for his recent role as Shombay, Merchant Tribe Warrior in the blockbuster movie "Black Panther."
"We're definitely looking forward to Stanley coming in here," Jones said.
"He's a real good supporter in trying to help us out."
Aughtry said he is "honored to return home" to share his experience as an "actorpreneur" with his mother's alumni and classmates.
He hopes that his story will inspire the Norwayne Alumni, which he considers a part of his family.
An evening alumni dance will take place after the banquet, from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Tickets for the dance may be purchased at the door for $25.
On Sunday, a worship service is planned to start at 11 a.m. at the Norwayne Alumni Center, located at 106 E. Branch St., in Fremont.
The message will be delivered by pastor Mary Smith Brown.
Homecoming events conclude with a Gospel Explosion concert at 6 p.m. at St. James Church.
The concert will feature a puppet ministry, the Hobbs Sisters, Youth-in-Action and the Fleming Sisters.
Applications to join the Norwayne Alumni and Friends association can be emailed to norwaynealumni@gmail.com.
"We just look for people who are willing to support our organization and the cause in terms of supporting people in the community," Jones said.
For additional information, Pat Ford can be reached at 919-583-5053 or 386-569-5558.