July 19, 2017 - The C.H. Daniels High School Reunion was held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 30, July 1, 2, 2017 in Center, TX at the Windham Civic Center. The Friday event was a meet and greet gathering at the Hampton Inn meeting room where games and conversations were held. Refreshments were served to everyone’s delight and pictures were taken. Saturday morning parade was a hit for the few brave walkers and several riders in the balloon decorated cars along the route from MLK/Shelbyville Hwy to Perry Sampson Park. A video of this parade and the balloon release in memory of Mr. Perry Sampson was taken and is available upon request from attendees and others. Mr. Sampson was the principal of the high school when it closed. More conversation, music and food were waiting for the classmates at the Hampton Inn but many rested or assisted with the decorations at the Civic Center.
There was almost one hundred in attendance at the banquet on Saturday night. A procession of the Committee, the 2015 king and queen followed by the Golden Classes 2016 and 2017 (1966 and 1967 graduates) opened the program. The opening prayer was given by Rev. Arthur Cloudy who is a 1967 graduate. There was a lovely display representing the Class of 1967 set up by classmate and committee member Juanita Williams McClelland. Accolades as always go to Sandra Hinson Latham for her decorating skills to emphasize the black and gold in keeping the legacy alive for C. H. Daniels High. A great photo corner was provided for individual and group pictures. This year the golden classes received medallions and certificates as a token of their anniversary.
The 1966 Basketball State District Champs and representatives received medallions for their achievement of 50 year anniversary. This team was recognized in 2016 in San Antonio at the State Basketball Tournament and the committee felt it necessary to do the same in the hometown. The new king and queen were presented and crowned: Jerry Lathan and his wife, Joyce. They received the crowns from the 2015 king and queen, Mr. Michael Mitchell and Mrs. Edwina Mitchell (both teachers during the 60s).
A speaker, Mr. Hughie Allen, a former Daniels student in the 50’s and a new method of remembering the fallen Bobcats were added to the reunion program. There were many new faces in attendance which was very much appreciated since this reunion is for all classes from Daniels High and their descendants and friends in an effort to keep the legacy alive with scholarships for upcoming high school students.
The “Dear Daniels High” school song closed the program followed with a closing prayer.
The colorful souvenir booklet was a big hit again. Thanks to those who purchased ads and to Michelle for the printing. The reunion committee of six: Joyce Johnson, Sandra Latham, Joan Garrett, Shirley Hewitt, Juanita Williams-McClelland, and Imogean Williams continue to extend invitations to others to join to continue this effort to Keep the Legacy Alive. Thanks goes out to others who made it successful.
