Thanks to William Henry Craig, who showed an interest by sending a letter to a classmate outlining steps to start a reunion.

The word failed to spread out to others, so the effort died in the hands of the receiver. A few years later, Craig came to our city again, still hoping and talking about class reunion.

He was concerned that the largest graduating class (1947) at Decatur Negro High had been out of school a long time and no togetherness for most of us since Graduation Day.

Within three months, (1986) Marjorie Lightfoot Looney received a letter from Craig with a splendid outline for another try to have a Class Reunion.

This time the receiver got on the telephone and started calling classmates of the news. Most classmates were elated. The first meeting was held at Lorenzo Jackson's home. After several meetings and telling others, Lorenzo suggested that we call the reunion a "School Reunion" instead of a Class reunion (1947).

There were only a few classmates around but there were other classes like the class of 1947 that had not given a class reunion. The suggestion by Lorenzo was agreed by all present - so the "Decatur Negro High School Reunion " had its beginning.

Between the 1994 and the1996 Reunions, a decision was made to include alumni from Lakeside High and thus it became Decatur Negro High and Lakeside High School Reunion.

The Eleventh Decatur Negro High and Lakeside School Reunion banquet and Memorial Service was held on Sunday, July 13, 2008 at the Holiday Inn in Decatur, Alabama.

The welcome was given by Mr. Lester Byars, Alumni President followed by greetings from the City by William Jackson, City Councilman. Scripture was read by Ms. Barbara Baugh and Invocation and Grace followed the school songs.

At the completion of dinner there was a selection by Mr. Morris Griffin & Mrs. Karen Wiggins and the Introduction of speaker, Mr. Leon Crayton by Mrs. Wilma Truitt Conwell.

A musical selection was performed by Mrs. Lovie & Ms. Deidre Swoopes prior to the Memorial Ceremony conducted by Mr. Charles Jackson. Recognition of the classes by Mr. Charles Briggins was followed by the Scholarship Presentations by Mrs. Jacqueline Ifill.

Special Presentations were given by Mrs. Billie Phillips followed by remarks by the President Mr. Lester Byars.
The Alumni sang the closing song and the program was closed with benediction.

Chaskee Freema,n Jasmine Davis, Jasmine Jackson, Jelisa Thompson & Makalila Stevenson

Guests of the Decatur Negro High and Lakeside School Reunion

Guest speaker; Leon Crayton, native of Decatur, Alabama., graduate of Decatur Negro High School (1953.)