The 1967 graduating class of P.S. Jones High School, with 120 students, was the largest in the school’s history. Alumni from the class gathered over the weekend of June 23-24 to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of their graduation. Approximately 50 people attended.

Several former teachers came to help celebrate. Among those attending was Floyd Brothers, band director at P.S. Jones and former mayor of Washington. Mildred Randolph, former guidance counselor, and William O’Pharrow expressed their gratitude for being able to commemorate this wonderful occasion with the class.

The weekend began on Friday night with a meet-and-greet session. Laura Dixon served as mistress of ceremony and Barbara Turnage Wilkins delivered the invocation. Attendees spent time recounting some of the memories from the good old days. Cecelia Stokes Price welcomed the guests. Elnora Paige Woolard directed the dinner buffet.

After dinner, attorney Jeffrey Clemmons, now residing in Durham, spoke on the values taught to students by the teachers and principal. He referenced the profound influence exerted by O.A. Dupree on him, as well as on most of the students.

Dupree served as the last principal of the high school. He, along with many of the teachers, helped a high percentage of the students to further their education after high school by going on to college or into the military. Dupree and Randolph were instrumental in making this class the largest by encouraging students who had previously dropped out to return to school and earn their diploma. Approximately 15 students did so, swelling the class numbers.

Also in his speech, Clemmons reminded the class that they all have “the ability to dream, and do not stop dreaming (just) because we are maturing. … (All) dreams come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”

The first day of activities ended with class members participating in some fun and games and a little bit of line dancing.

On day two of the event, the class gathered at Festival Park in Washington for a group photo and more reminiscing about the old times. Some members visited the Underground Railroad Museum to learn about historic events of African-Americans in and around Washington. Later, the group gathered again at the American Legion Post on Cherry Run Road for dinner and an awards ceremony.

Gloria Keys Tripp presided. Wilkins again delivered the invocation, and Dixon recognized class officers, teachers and advisors. Melvin Midgette handled the roll call, while also memorializing deceased classmates. Fenner Harding of Washington delivered the speech for the evening.

Harding talked to the group about overcoming the challenges of life. He said, “Whatever you choose to do, please continue to be a light for the next generation. Continue to set the example. Tell them the stories of victory over adversity.”

Harding concluded by repeating the theme for the occasion, urging the Yellow Jackets to “keep on buzzing and keep on stinging.”

Concluding activities included special awards presented by Yusuf Abdullah, and door prizes given by Willie Joyce Crawford and Elnora Woolard. Wali Saleem gave the closing remarks.   At the end, the class members closed by singing the alma mater, “Hail to Our School.” A fun time was enjoyed by all.

Submitted by Wali Saleem, PSJ High alumnus