Lafayette School Reunion will be held Nov. 26-29

— “Recall, Relive, Renew, Reflect” is the theme for the 14th Lafayette School Reunion, which begins Thursday with a "Hospitality Night," and concludes with a "Sunday Worship Service" on Sunday in Camden, according to a news release.

Highlighting the four-day event will be speakers - Terry W. Alexander, a former football standout at Fairview High School; and Lafayette graduate Franciene Gill; and the "Grand Purple and Gold Ball" event.

“Our school reunion is a special time to reflect on the past, enjoy the present and inspire the future,’’ said Lafayette School Reunion Committee President Lowell Sanders in the release. “It’s a bi-annual affair but like many, I look forward to it. It’s difficult to describe the feeling it brings: Joy, happiness, precious memories, etc. I can also say Lafayette is a special place and will forever be in the hearts of those who went there.

“The reunion, format wise, is pretty much the same as the first in 1981. But each time we meet, it’s like the first. The school was founded in 1926 and closed in 1969. That’s a lot of history. On the real - a very long time. That’s why we encourage all that can - especially those locally - to attend. Those graduating classes are getting smaller and smaller.”

The registration fee is $75 per person. Tickets for single events can also be purchased at $25 each. Those who wish attend the reunion can purchase a ticket at the hospitality area at the event. For more information, contact Sanders at 231-5417.

Sanders said the previous reunions were great and have become more enjoyable each time. He said the committee expects attendance to range between 125 and 175 people.

The event resumes Friday at 11 a.m. with Gill addressing the General Assembly at the Camden Fairview High School's Little Theatre. Sanders said there will be special guests from the city, county and the Camden Fairview School District; special recognition will be given to former teachers and students; and homage will be paid to all deceased teachers and alumni.

“The General Assembly, like 'Sunday’s Worship Service,' is free and open to the public,” said Sanders. “I’m positive (Ms.) Gill will have a pleasurable and entertaining message for us. For the first time in reunion history, the Reunion Choir will provide the music. Believe me, this group is very good.”

Gill graduated from Lafayette High School in 1966. Afterwards, she attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock and AM&N College (UAPB) in Pine Bluff and graduated from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She began her long career in human resources with her first role with Trans World Airlines.

Gill has built an impressive work portfolio leading human resources for organizations such as H&R Block World Headquarters, Hilton Hotels, United Parcel Service and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Los Angeles, the release states.

Also, Gill currently serves as the Midwest Region Director, CEO Search with the YMCA of USA. In her role, she supports local YMCA volunteers as they work to identify, recruit and select cause-driven individuals to lead their associations. She sets strategy and direction for building a candidate pool to fill CEO roles for 224 YMCAs throughout 8 Midwest states.

She served previously as senior vice president of Human Resources & Leadership Development for the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee beginning in 2005.

Gill grew up in Smackover, where her Mom still resides. She recently returned to live in Kansas City, considering it as her second home.

Alexander will be give the keynote speech during the banquet, which begins at 6 p.m., in the Camden Fairview High School cafeteria. Special entertainment will be provided by the Urban Praise Dancers of New Starlight Baptist Church and by Gloria Fountain.

He attended Lafayette Elementary School and graduated from Fairview High School in 1975. He obtained a BS degree in forestry from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he was an All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference running back in 1977 and 78 and a NAIA All-American in 1977. He is a past four-term Camden alderman, an Outstanding Alumnus Award winner (UAM), a UAM Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and an Outstanding Young Man of America.

Alexander currently serves as safety/environmental director for Weyerhaeuser Western Timberlands in Vancouver, Wa.

Alexander and wife, Marian, have two daughters: Shana and Hayley.

On Saturday, the reunion picnic is set for 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Carnes Park Community Center, and activities for the day end with the Purple and Gold Ball at8 p.m. at the Camden Country Club. The D-Train Band featuring Dino Davis will provide the musical entertainment.

The reunion will conclude with an 11 a.m. Sunday service at Connection International Ministries, and the speaker of the hour will be Rev. Douglas Marsh of the New Mt. Union Missionary Baptist Church of Junction City. Music will be provided by the Lafayette School Reunion Choir. Reunion committee chairs include: Patricia McRae - Meet and Greet, Sanders - General Assembly, Joyce Douglas - Banquet, Elena Willis - Picnic. Herbert Dumas - Purple and Gold Ball, Gracie Halton and Charles Cheeks - Sunday service).

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