Woodlawn Villager Newspaper: Western High School Unity Day

Western High School Unity Day
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Debbie Hayward on 18 May, 2008 04:04:00
 
Western High School students past and present converged on the Baltimore City
campus to celebrate and reunite with one another at their annual Unity Day
Celebration. The day-long celebration was dotted with performances and
presentations from students and alumni from as long ago as the 1930’s. Among
program participants were Western High Assistant Principal, Joy Savage from the
class of 1967 and a special dance performance by Maria Broom of the class of
1966. The Western High School Alumnae Association entertained the honored guests
with several rousing dance routines performed to songs from Steven Spielberg’s
Color Purple. Alumni Association President and Woodlawn resident, Juernene Bass
Smith of the class of 1975, shared reflections on the popular occasion and
provided encouragement to fellow Westernites.
The keynote speaker for the event was Baltimore City councilwoman, 7th District
Belinda Conaway of the class of 1988. The Council woman shared that when she
first graduated from school, her goal was to get a job, a car, and an apartment.
After several months and failure to reach her goal, Ms. Conaway told the
listeners that she realized it had been a "stupid plan". She returned to Western
High School, visited the guidance counselor, and asked if it was too late to go
to college. That decision became the catalyst that propelled her forward into a
career in public service.
As an alumnus of the class of 1975, I would be remiss in not mentioning that
the prestigious school is in need of financial support in order to meet needs in
technology, resources, equipment and supplies. In light of this, I am personally
challenging every Westernite and every friend of a Westernite to give a gift of
$25.00 or more to Western High School. In doing so, you will share the important
accomplishment of increasing the value of every diploma received and those
earned by future generations of Westernites. You may make your check payable to
Western High School and forward to Mr. Robert Ragin, Western High School, 4600
Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland, 21209. All donations are tax deductible.
Remember to put a note on your check that you were referred by the Woodlawn
Villager! Thank you for helping to promote quality education.
Val Bourne of Woodlawn (right) with her classmates.
All of the dancers are Alumni Association members.
Baltimore City Councilwoman, Belinda Conaway (2nd from left) with Valerie
Bourne and SWBA Executive Director, Michelle Smith Billups (right)
This family travelled from out of State to attend.
Hostesses for the event made everyone feel welcome.
Alumni from 1940's