On August 25, 2023, Alexandria, Louisiana, was inundated with over six hundred (600) former students representing Peabody High School/Peabody Magnet High School. For the first time in the school’s history, the classes of 1970 – 1979 came together to support this historic alma mater in establishing a Scholarship Endowment Foundation and reconnecting with long-time friends.

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The large group celebrated both nights without incident. The meet and greet, held at Pedro’s Tacos & Tequila, Alexandria, was a huge success, which impacted this supporter’s business favorably.  There were plenty of handshakes and hugs to go around as many classmates reacquainted themselves with childhood friends and classmates.

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The summer gala event, held at the Randolph Riverfront Center in Alexandria, was adorned in a field of white attire with green accents. The massive room was also decorated with the school’s colors, as each class sat together in the section designated by the four-foot-tall numerical statutes of the 70’s.

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The event’s Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Dennis S. Brown, Class of 1972, presented the pillars of the community, including the Honorable Mayor Jacques Roy, the Honorable Edward Larvadain III, Louisiana State Representative, District 26;  Rev. Dr. Joe S. Green, Pastor Emeritus, St. Matthew Baptist Church; Mrs. Gloria Hamilton, former administrative assistant; Mrs. Gwendolyn Iles Foster, daughter of former principal Mr. D. F. Iles; Mr. Clarence Spottsville, son of Mrs. Beatrice Wallace Spottsville, teacher trainer and supervisor of Negro Schools and one of the major pioneers in the establishment of Peabody; Mr. Willard McCall, Rapides Parish School Board Representative, District D; Mrs. Glenda Belmon Williams, cousin of former principal, Mr. Samuel McKay; Mr. Earnest Bowman, former teacher and head basketball coach, and Mr. Dennis Stewart, current principal of Peabody Magnet High School. 

 

Indeed, this event left everyone in awe, and with one question: “When is the next event?” Through the collaborative efforts of the class representatives and the leadership of Mrs. Wanda Prescott Johnson, Class of 1974, the event was a phenomenal success.  

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“Oh we Love Dear Ole` Peabody.”