Dr. Charles Garrett, Superintendent and David Rainey, President of Dean Provence Endowment for Excellence accepts a check from the Class of 1978. Representing the class of 1978 in the picture of Kelly Jernigan Coltharp and Dr. J. Keith Robbins, III.
The 30th Class Reunion for the W. P. Daniel High was a time of celebration and givingcelebrating past memories and giving to the future of New Albany Schools.
On Friday, October 24 the New Albany High School Maroon and White staff and the NAHS Student Council hosted a reception for members of the W. P. Daniel High School Class of 1978. Approximately forty alumni and two of their former teachers attended the reception held in NAHS Media Center.
In honor of their “glory days” a disco themed cake was created by NAHS graduate Jenny Cochran Treadaway. The event opened with a welcome by Student Council Vice-President Marshaun Braxton and a blessing was given by Student Council representative Callie Creekmore.
Journalism students gave the alumni tours of the school. Later in the afternoon the Class of 1978 was recognized during the presentation of the 2008 Homecoming Court.
Later in the evening, they enjoyed the homecoming game together at Kitchens’ Field. During half-time, Kelly Jernigan Coltharp and Dr. J. Keith Robbins, III, representing the W. P. Daniel Class of 1978, presented a check for $5,565.00 to the Dean Provence Endowment for Excellence. This is the largest donation the Endowment has received in the past ten years. Accepting on behalf of the Endowment were David Rainey, President and Dr. Charles Garrett, Superintendent.
“Everyone was excited to give back to the institution that gave them their education,” said Lydia Wilbanks Kimbrough, a 1978 graduate. “As a teacher in the New Albany Schools, I know first hand that the Dean Provence Endowment for Excellence goes back to help teachers help students!”
The generous donation was given in memory of their deceased classmates and senior sponsors: Tim Blackard, Carolyn Catt, Scott Kincheloe, Melanie Parks, Leigh Peterson, Keith Stokes, Ms. Mary V. Golding, and Ms. Mary Brassfield. It was also given in honor of all the children in the New Albany School District.
“We feel that the success that we have achieved is due in part to the wonderful instruction and encouragement given to us during our days in the New Albany School District. We just wanted to give back,” said Kelly Jernigan Coltharp, one member of the reunion planning committee. “I would encourage classes who are planning upcoming reunions to consider giving to this worthy cause.”
Class of 1978
