George Washington Carver 2019 reunion
The annual Navasota George Washington Carver High School, Carver, reunion was held June 21-23 with most events being held at the Grimes County Fairgrounds Expo Center. The event is sponsored by the George Washington Carver Alumni Association, GWCAA.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott acknowledged the event writing, “I am pleased to extend greetings to all in attendance at the George Washington Carver High School Class Reunion. Reunions celebrate those early days that were full of excitement, challenges and new experiences.”
Navasota Mayor Bert Miller signed a proclamation that read “I mayor of the city of Navasota, do proclaim June 21 through 23, 2019 as 2019 George Washington Carver Alumni Association Reunion and urge each and every citizen of our city to support the George Washington Carver Alumni Association Reunion.”
This year’s reunion theme was “Ties That Bind.”
The “Roundup” themed family and friend’s fun night Friday encouraged western attire.
GWCAA Coordinator Charles Arrington organized a 6 a.m. walk-a-thon Saturday at Carver for anyone wanting early exercise. Breakfast was later served at the Fairgrounds. There was also a parade route from Brule Elementary School to Carver.
A highlight of the weekend was the dedication ceremony of the Texas Historical Marker at Carver attended by Navasota Mayor Bert Miller, Grimes County Commissioner Pct. 3 Barbara Walker, Navasota ISD superintendent Dr. Stu Musick, various organizations and the general public. Sunday there was a worship service at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Ronald A. Hatchett.
Joe McGinty presided over the banquet and program while GWCAA President James C. Moore, Jr. gave opening remarks including the marker dedication program for those who were not able to attend. Also helping was first vice president Lorealia Mason Blanton who received an award in recognition of her work.
One of the most important reasons for GWCAA fundraisers throughout the year is to be able to provide scholarships to members of the Navasota ISD graduating class. Moore, Blanton, Peggy Johnson and Wanda Wilson assisted in presenting the scholarships.
Scholarship winners
Georgia James presented the Leon Mooring Memorial Scholarship to Savannah Stringfellow. Gwendolyn-Franklin-Scott presented the Leeal and Bessie Hall Memorial Scholarship to Markaylyn McGinty. Ruth Taylor presented the George L. Taylor Jr. Memorial Scholarship to ShaJavon Taylor. Charles Ruth Wesley Mooney presented the Joseph & Rosie Wesley Legacy Memorial Scholarship to Tiora Creeks and Barbara Irving presented the James and Nova Moore Legacy Memorial Scholarship to Ke’Eric Moore.
Honoring class of 1969
This year the Class of 1969 was honored as they celebrate their 50th class reunion. They are sponsoring a scholarship that will be presented in 2020, the Class of 1969 Woodrow Wilson Jackson Legacy Scholarship. Members attending were Willie Oliver, Sallie Willis, James Ross Williams, Elizabeth Ward, Clarence Thomas, Veltee Smart, Gail Rogers, Robert Prosper, Ruby Oaks, Roger Johnson, Gloria Jefferson, Cheryl Hughes, Jacqueline Hall, Jo Ann Freeman, Thomas DeBose, Charles Branch, Billy Banks, Betty Branch and Elbert Baldwin.
Lois M. Range had a “Salute to the Golden NHS Class of 1969.” Carver, a segregated school, was closed in 1968. She said, “Tonight we honor you, our first legacy class of Navasota High School. I liken your class to the crew of the movie Star Trek, for you were the voyagers of the mothership, George Washington Carver, boldly going where none of you had gone before, on a mission to explore a strange world but you had taken with you 11 years of wisdom, discipline, strength and perseverance.”
Jason DeMarcus Holiday spoke on the 2019 graduate’s perspective. He said that 12 years ago he was in a similar situation as the graduates and was also helped by a GWCAA scholarship. He chronicled his life experiences and schooling and said, “I don’t say these things to boast or brag. I want you know that it is a testament to GWCAA that I was able to do all those things.” He encouraged the recipients to remember to give back and help GWCAA later in their life.
Irene Butler and Gwendolyn-Franklin-Scott awarded certificates to those recognized as “Unsung Heroes.” Scott said, “This honor is to the unsung, unrecognized, unpaid and under-appreciated individuals that fully make a difference with this Alumni Association.” Pearl Cooper recognized past teachers and staff. GWCAA President James C. Moore, Jr. awarded the President Carver Nation Awards to those deserving of special recognition.
Patrick Gilbert was awarded for his work with the Texas Historical Commission in making the Carver historical marker a reality. Joe McGinty for his master of ceremonies and scheduling work, Mary Mable who does whatever needs to be done, Evelyn Ward who has been the GWCAA caterer for many years and Johnny Wesley who is a jack of many trades such as making sure the historical marker was perpendicular to ground.
Lisa Bassett Collins, Fred Pratt and Charles Ruth Wesley Mooney performed the roll call where those in each graduating class stand and are recognized. GWCAA Financial Secretary Jay Sargent encouraged people to continue to help the organization. GWCAA is a nonprofit 501c3 organization.
To send a tax-deductible donation, checks should be made to George Washington Carver Alumni Association and mailed to:
Jay Sargent
Financial Secretary
P. O. Box 63
Stafford, Texas 77497