The upcoming Booker T. Washington Alumni & Ex-Students Association (BTW) Reunion will close out the month of June and leave the local community with something to talk about.
It’s that time of the year when a tidal wave of deep purple and old gold will flow through the City of Marlin as the Booker T. Washington Alumni & Ex-Students Association (BTW) will again come together for its 33th School Reunion, June 28-29.
The reunion theme is “Bound by History, Reunited by Choice Continuing the Legacy of Love: Great Education, Greater People, Greatest Memories.”
The Class of 1974 are the honorees as they celebrate their 50th class anniversary. In addition, the Class of 1964 (60 years) and Class of 1954 (70 years) will be honored.
The buzz at one time was the BTW Reunion will eventually fade out, but a school where the teachers instilled self-respect and joy in the accomplishments that were made, BTW schools gave students pride in knowing where they came from and faith to believe they could be whatever their hearts desired.
To commemorate its existence, it brings pleasure as alumni and ex-students return to rekindled acquaintances and reflect on the numerous memories on Commerce Street, a street that so many traveled by foot for their educational experience that propelled them into a future of success which has a name change from Commerce Street to B.T.W. Parkway in 2019.
Presently, under the leadership of National President Kathryn Lynn Kelly, there are six-chapter affiliates, Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio-Austin, Waco and of course, their beginning, Marlin. Each affiliate gives back to its local community as well as local support under the umbrella of BTW.
The Alumni Association proudly recognized two 2024 Marlin High School graduating seniors, Jacorian Johnson and Shakylar Simpson, each with a $1,000 scholarship. The doors of opportunity provided BTW Alumni to have distinguished themselves in their endeavors in the fields of business, entertainment, education, the arts, engineering, judges, public servants, aviators, medicine, law, theology and many others.
All Reunion events will be held at the renowned BTW Alumni & Ex-Students Association building, corner of Falls and Charles Streets. Special thanks to the BTW Reunion Chairs, Carolyn Kiker King, Glenda Jackson Andress and committee, who worked diligently to insure a successful upcoming two-day experience.
On Friday, June 28, registration packets and T-shirt orders may be retrieved 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Later that evening will be a (7 p.m. to 12 a.m.) Mixer (BYOB) filled with games, music and food with a $10 fee for non-registered guests.
Grand Marshal, Falls County Chief Officer Ben Kirk, will lead the caravan of school spirit annual parade Saturday, June 29, at 10 a.m. Lineup will be at the old BTW grounds on South Commerce and dismantle at the BTW Alumni building. There is no registration fee to participate in the parade, however, non-decorated vehicles will not be permitted.
On-site parade registration will be available prior to the parade. Honored guests will be Mayor Susan Byrd, Pro Tem Debra Levels McDavid, and MISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Darryl Henson.
Following the parade, the Alumni and friends will return to the Alumni building to socialize. To show its commitment to supporting the needs of the Marlin families and community, the Association will provide a small lunch for all attendees at no charge.
Closing the Reunion 2024 activities is Dinner and Dance, Saturday, June 29, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend with the understanding that seating is limited. DJ Scruggs will provide music entertainment. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
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