Inaugural All Class Reunion raises $3K for playground
Published 12:24 pm Thursday, September 26, 2024
Brantley High School alumni gather for a group photo during the inaugural All Class Reunion, held Sept. 7 at the Brantley Park and Recreation Center.
Leslie Liller and Cindy Gibson Majors, alumni from the class of 1982, and 1984 BHS graduate Lisa Nelson Harris share smiles and memories during the Brantley High School All Class Reunion.
Brantley High School's All Class Reunion commemorates its top donor for 2024 with a special plaque, recognizing the contribution that helped raise $3,000 for the Multi Needs Playground Project.
DJ Rockout provided entertainment and attendees enjoyed food, fellowship, dancing and games.
Brantley High School alumni enjoy fellowship and dancing at the inaugural All Class Reunion. Pictured are (from left to right) Whitney Ball, Jasmine Dorsey, DeAnza Sheridan and Shelly Mitchell Garner.
By Haley Mitchell Godwin
The inaugural Brantley High School (BHS) All Class Reunion, held Sept. 7 at the Brantley Park and Recreation Center, brought together alumni from over two dozen graduating classes and raised $3,000 for Brantley School’s Multi Needs Playground Project.
The idea for the reunion was inspired in 2023 when Dexter Daniels, a 2008 BHS graduate, proposed the concept on social media. His suggestion quickly gained momentum, with founding members including 2005 graduate Rashad Daniels, 2006 graduate Katrice Owens and 2010 graduate DeAnza Sheridan joining the effort.
Rashad Daniels, marking 20 years as a Brantley alumnus this year, shared his thoughts on the event’s success, which saw over 60 attendees come together for a day of fellowship, food and fundraising.
“The end product could not have been better,” Rashad said. “The community’s cooperation was key. On behalf of the All Class Reunion Committee, I’d like to thank everyone who came out. It was so good to see so many friends, and a great time was had by all. We are truly grateful for everyone’s generous contributions.”
Alumni from various graduating classes attended the event, including graduates from 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992 and more recent classes such as 2008, 2011 and 2024, among others, with over two dozen graduating classes in total represented. DJ Rockout provided entertainment and attendees enjoyed food, fellowship, dancing and games.
A special balloon release honored Brantley faculty and classmates who have passed away, with Waylon Bush, Liz Sullivan, Alex Wilcox, Barry Kendrick, Randy Johnson, Coy Messick, Lakenya Anderson, Vicki Furr, April Hamilton, Kim Noblin, Carlos Burnett, Darrell Owens, Rashadd Owens, Samantha Manning, Melissa McSwean, Donnie Cole, Lorrie Odom, Chad Bryan, Patrick Bryan, Jeremy Powell and others among those remembered.
Cindy Gibson Majors attended the reunion with her cousin Leslie Liller, both Brantley alumni from the class of 1982.
“We had a great time,” Majors said. “I got to reconnect with classmates I hadn’t seen in years and spent some quality time with my cousin. We even visited some cemeteries where our ancestors are buried after the reunion. I’m looking forward to next year’s reunion.”
Teven Daniels, a 2010 graduate now living in Atlanta, reflected on the strong sense of community fostered by the event.
“No matter how far away you go, Brantley is always home,” Teven said. “It’s like one big family and the reunion was a great example of that. I’m grateful to Dexter, DeAnza and Rashad for organizing it and I hope next year’s turnout is even bigger.”
The class of 2008 raised the most money and earned the honor of deciding how to allocate the funds. They chose to donate the entire $3,000 raised across all graduating classes to Brantley School’s Multi Needs Playground Project.
Brantley High School administrators expressed their gratitude on social media.
“The Class of 2008 went above and beyond,” the post said. “Their decision to direct the donation to the Multi Needs Playground Project will have a lasting positive effect on our school. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!”
Samantha Wheeler Odom, multi needs nurse and paraprofessional at Brantley, works in the school’s multi needs classroom and expressed her appreciation for the donation.
“I believe our children deserve the opportunity to play and interact on equipment that adapts to their needs,” Odom said. “Most of the students in our classroom have never had the chance to enjoy our current playground because it’s not accessible for those with physical disabilities. Having an adaptive playground close to our classroom would be a tremendous asset for these children. We are so thankful for the $3,000 raised at the reunion and the support from local companies, individuals and organizations.”
Plans are already underway for next year’s reunion, with event organizers encouraging all alumni to check for updates on the Brantley High School Alumni (Brantley, Alabama) Facebook page.
“We’re excited to do this again,” Rashad said. “This is all for the love of Brantley High School—a school of tradition, community and family. If you missed this year’s reunion, don’t miss next year’s.”
Alumni interested in contributing to the 2025 reunion’s cause can make donations at Brantley Bank and Trust. For more information on donating to the Brantley School Multi Needs Playground Project contact the school.
Photos courtesy of Monica Peterson and the All Class Reunion Committee.
