Crooms 1958 Panthers gathered for four days of festivities with more than 50 classmates.
On Thursday evening, classmates assembled to get reacquainted since some haven’t seen one another since they last walked the halls of Crooms Academy’s 31st annual commencement under Principal Roy A. Allen.
It was May 30, 1958, when the class entered the Croom’s Academy Auditorium on that warm Friday evening. One hundred students received their rewards for 12 years of hard work and fun, ready to meet the challenges of the world. Salutatorian Bernice Lewis welcomed the parents and friends. Valedictorian Virgil C. McDonald gave “the challenge of a changing society” speech. All of the memories of the years at Crooms came to mind.
On Friday morning, Julia Wright Brunson, reunion chairperson, led the class in the presenting of the class gift to Crooms Academy of Information Technology. Current Principal Dr. Connie Collins accepted the beautiful, comfortable, maroon Crooms Panther Pride bench to the campus.
On Firday, the class enjoyed an afternoon of fun, food and the privilege of enjoying the beautiful RiverWalk of Sanford and Fort Mellon Park for a picnic.
The Orlando Marriott-Lake Mary was the host of the Crooms Academy Class of 1958 Reunion. On Saturday evening, May 17, the reunion banquet was held at the Marriott. Classmate Edward R. Carwise was the master of ceremonies. Julia W. Brunson extended greetings. Walter Watkins joined in with words of welcome. Dr. Sharon Riggins Patterson gave the invocation and blessing of the evening’s dinner.
After the delicious meal, a memorial recognized deceased classmates with Elaine Crumity and Ida W. Haynes directing the calling of the deceased classmates names. Classmates and friends lighted a candle to remember the life of the deceased members.
Altamease M. McPherson gave reflections of the weekend activities. Algerine Miller made some awards. Classmates were introduced and given the opportunity to give their name, residence, marital status and number of children and occupation. Chairperson Brunson presented, along with co-chair McPherson, plaques and gifts of appreciation to the chair and committee members. To close out the evening of fellowship and reminiscing time of old memories, fun, food and the singing of the Crooms Alma Mater, the Rev. Eddie Martin gave the benediction.
On Sunday morning, the class worshipped with the historical St. James AME Church.
The 1958 class reunion committee members are commended for the great and successful observance of the 50th class reunion. Committee members were: Julia Wright Brunson, chair (Tallahassee); Walter Watkins, co-chair (Ohio); Edward R. Carurse; Elaine Crumity (Sanford); Ida W. Haynes (Georgia); Altamease Moore McPherson (Palmetto); and Algerine Miller (Sanford).
The class of 1958 is still remembering their class theme after 50 years: “Meeting Today’s Challenge.”