BHS Class of 1966 Celebrates 60th Reunion with Legacy, Fellowship, and Scholarship
The Booker High School Class of 1966 proudly celebrated its 60th Class Reunion during a memorable three-day event held June 19–21, bringing together classmates, family members, and friends to honor a legacy of excellence, enduring friendships, and cherished memories.
The reunion weekend began with a Meet and Greet on Friday evening, followed by a Saturday morning trolley tour featuring several historic Sarasota landmarks, including Booker High School, the Historic Leonard Reid House, Newtown Community, and Lido Beach. Saturday evening culminated with a grand Dinner Banquet at the DoubleTree Hotel in Sarasota, where not a single seat remained empty, reflecting the overwhelming support and participation from classmates and guests.
The reunion was dedicated to the memory of Johnny “Kid” Hunter, Sr., former publisher of TEMPO News and a proud member of the Booker High School Class of 1966. The reunion theme, “Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence, Enduring Friendship, and Cherished Memories,” resonated throughout the weekend’s activities.
The banquet program was led by Mistress of Ceremonies Mrs. Deloris Stevens Johnson and opened with the Booker High School alma mater. The invocation was offered by Ms. Jacqueline Martin-Bonds, followed by a warm welcome from Ms. Maria Edwards-Foulks.
Official greetings were delivered by Ms. Felicia Redden-Williams, while Minister Willie Charles Shaw brought greetings from the Booker High School Class of 1965. Attendees then enjoyed a lively “Getting to Know You Again” session, which rekindled old friendships and sparked new conversations among classmates who had not seen one another in years.
The evening continued with an entertaining round of Booker High School Trivia, allowing classmates to test their knowledge of their alma mater’s rich history. Before dinner, a blessing of the food was offered, and guests enjoyed an evening of fellowship and reflection.
Prior to the keynote address by Ms. Chappell Gaither Meredith, special memorabilia Tshirts were presented to Johnny Hunter Jr. and Joan Bolden, son and daughter of the late Johnny “Kid” Hunter, Sr., in recognition of his unwavering dedication and service to the Class of 1966.
Following the keynote presentation, Mr. Arthur Dillard proudly presented a $500 scholarship award to Booker High School graduate student, Khenyon Jones 3.3 unweighted 4.1 weighted GPA, and now attending University of North
Florida to major in Civil engineering, reaffirming the class’s commitment to supporting future generations of Booker Tornadoes.
The evening concluded with closing remarks from members of the Class of 1966 and invited guests, many of whom shared heartfelt memories, words of encouragement, and expressions of gratitude for the lifelong bonds formed through Booker High School.
Sunday’s activities concluded with worship services at Truevine Missionary Baptist Church, followed by a fellowship luncheon in the church’s fellowship hall.
By all accounts, the Booker High School Class of 1966’s 60th Reunion was an overwhelming success, a celebration of history, friendship, service, and community that honored the past while inspiring future generations.
