The Sampson High School Alumni Association 45th Annual Reunion held August 11-13 at the Sheraton Suites in Old Town Alexandria, VA was enjoyed by all in attendance. Thanks to all of the members of the Washington Metropolitan Area Chapter (WMAC) who’s hard work made this reunion a success. Also, special thanks go to the younger members of WMAC for being actively involved.
The reunion kicked off on Friday evening. Many of the members arriving from around the country, gathered for the hospitality, enjoying light snacks and catching up with old friends.
On Saturday while the Executive Board meeting and general session was going on, some members took advantage of the shuttle bus service that ran every hour from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM from the hotel to National Harbor, MGM Casino, and the Tangier Mall Outlet.
The highlight of the reunion was the banquet on Saturday evening presided over by Crystal Miller. The speaker for the evening was Ms. Veronica Burton, Founder of Crimson Heat All Stars, a non-profit youth sports organization located in Forestville, MD. Ms. Burton gave a very inspiring speech on finding your purpose in life.
Mary Sutton gave a presentation on scholarship recipients. The recipients of the 2017 SHSAA, Inc. scholarships are Destiny Sky Horne, Zaynah Muhammad, Jasmine Alexis Sampson and Daisha B. Hare, recipient of a private scholarship. These recipients will receive grants totaling $14,500. We were pleased to have 8 prior scholarship recipients in attendance at the reunion.
Jacinta Handon and Margaret Rich presented new life members with their plaques. The new life members are Janice Armwood Gaskins, Luther L. Moore, L’Tanya Arthur-Mensah and Cailah Brynae’ Handon.
Helen Faison presented this year’s Ram Recognition award to Joyce Tucker for her work in the SHSAA organization and the community. Joyce is a member of the Fayetteville chapter.
Anthony McPhail, a member of the endowment committee, gave a presentation on the SHSAA Endowment and encouraged everyone to donate as much as you can within the next year in order to try to meet its goal.
National President, Faye Faison presided over the chapter presentations, which is always an anticipated part of the evening. This year a total of over $24,000.00 was donated to the National Organization from the chapters.
Stephanie Faison gave the election results for the national officers for the new administration for the next two years 2017 – 2019.
The new SHSAA, Inc. National Officers are:
- President – Jesse Williams
- Vice President – Faye Faison
- Treasurer – Rhonda Elmore
- Financial Secretary – Larry Elmore
- Recording Secretary – L’ Tanya Arthur-Mensah
- Corresponding Secretary – Joyce Tucker
- Business Manager – Robert Bennett
- Parliamentarian – Leeomina Byam
The reunion weekend ended on Sunday morning with a Vesper Service. The speaker for the Vesper service was Minister Deborah Grant, from Spirit of Faith Christian Center. Minister Grant’s message on keeping the faith was well received and made us feel like we were at church right there in the hotel!
After the inspiring message from Minister Grant, she did the organization an honor by swearing in the new national officers.
The reunion weekend was very uplifting and enjoyed by all.
