New Orleans Trip: A Great Time Had By ALL!!!!!

Gibbs Class of 1968, Inc. sponsored a trip to New Orleans that was enjoyed by classmates and open to the general public on August 13 – 17, 2014.  Forty –nine (49) travelers set out to enjoy the Gulf Coast of Biloxi MS and New Orleans, LA.  It was a most amazing trip and enjoy we did!  The trip was truly memorable!!!!

Treat bags loaded with 8 different items were given to each traveler filled with goodies like Lorna Dunes, Ne-Kots, Peppermint Patties, Nature Valley Breakfast Bars, Juice, Hersey Candy Miniatures and Lays Chips.  Whew! Complimentary water was provided to offset the sultry humid weather of the City That Never Sleeps.  We  stopped for a hearty breakfast in MS at Cracker Barrel and then on to the Beau Rivage Casino on our way to New Orleans, for approx. 3 hours.  The Casino offered a variety of entertaining events for our pleasure (Dining,  Shopping, Broadway Shows, Cinemas, etc.) 

We arrived in New Orleans at the newly renovated Embassy Suites, located at 315 Julia Street, phone number (504) 378-4036.  If they were saying "WHODAT", we were saying, "It be us, the Class of 1968, Inc. and Friends". The hotel is centrally located and in walking distance to many of the cities focal points.   The Chef’s full breakfast was the best in the city.  Joining us in New Orleans was classmate Barbara Lindsey Oguntade and daughter Jean.  They set their sights on the Friday evening Saints Football Game and for a moment in time, cheered for the Saints.

Thursday evening we went to Margie’s Lounge to see how the locals eat.  We enjoyed the Great American Steak-out. The locals know how to cook and the food was awesome (see photo of Steak Dinner).  Heard the music of the locals and returned to the hotel for a night of rest.  Ms. Betty owner of the venue was such a great hostess.  On Friday they delivered to the hotel Fish dinners like the locals eat, full of flavor and huge portions.

Friday  and Saturday we had a tour of the city, rode the Trolley, visited the French Market, rode down the Mississippi River on the Ferry, walked down Bourbon Street, ate Pralines from the Praline Factory, danced and ate at Mulattoes (Renowned Cajun Restaurant) and ate and ate and ate.

Sunday we departed and headed for Tallahassee for dinner, where we ate dinner at the New Country Buffet.  The dinner was included in the cost of the trip and the food was truly southern soul as was the hospitality of the staff.

Thank you cards, with the group picture taken at City Park, New Orleans was sent to every place that extended us hospitality along the way!

By the way, don't be left behind in 2015, we have a list of interesting vacation locations to consider.  Look for updates in January 2015!

Enough of this!  Let’s see some pictures!!

Photos are compliments of Alvin Frazier who is recently retired and photography is his new habit and Valerie who always look for an opportunity to take a good photo.

Gibbs High Class of 1968, Inc. 2014 Scholarship Program

Gibbs Class of 1968, Inc.  Awards  $5,000.00 in Scholarships to 10 High School Graduates

Each year the  Gibbs Class of 1968, Incorporated host a Scholarship Awards Program to provide scholarships  for admirable high school students who desire to attend college.  

The program was held at the Enoch D. Davis Community Center Auditorium on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.  Congratulations are in order for the 10 high school seniors who all maintained a 2.5 or higher grade point average and have received their college acceptance letters. Each of the recipients have performed admirably in the classroom and in their community.  Their aspirations included becoming doctors, lawyers, writers, educators and performing artist.  

 (The Class) was honored to present scholarships to the 10 deserving high school seniors who have committed to seeking undergraduate degrees.  The students were selected from local high schools; three from Gibbs High (Antwan Fuller, Jalen Williams and Jerosan Fletcher) one  each from Boca Ciega High School (Kendra Delaney), Canterbury School of Florida (Hydeia Thomas), Lakewood High School (LaVanja Peterson), Osceola Fundamental High School (Syndee Peterman) and St. Petersburg High School (Brinesha Myrick).  Two scholarship recipients were awarded to seniors who lived in Central and on the East Coast of Florida. They were from William R. Boone High School, Orlando FL (Ajah Deloach) and  Bayside High School, Palm Bay, FL (Judienne Archer).  Graduates received Acceptance Letters from the following Universities:  Florida A&M Univeristy, Alabama State University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida State University, Howard University, Florida Memorial University, University of North Florida, University of Utah and St. Petersburg College.

Over 80 people shared in the Scholarship Awards Program. Those in attendance to celebrate with the honorees were their parents, family and friends along with the Gibbs Class of 1968 Board of Directors and members.   During the program each scholarship recipient received an award in the amount of $500.00.   The recipients were encouraged to do their best in college and to become a contributing member of society.  Program participants included, Kaleb Ash (a 2013 scholarship recipient) who provided the music for the evening.  Kendra Delaney, sang two songs and shared with us her inspiring story of being able to graduate on time, after missing an entire semester of high school after the loss of her mother. Alvin Frazier, Class Chaplain, whose granddaughter, Ajah Deloach received a scholarship and will be attending his college alma mater, gave spiritual advice to the graduates.  Each graduate was given a copy of the poem ‘Myself’ by Edgar Albert Guest, recited by Barbara J. Stockton. The poem challenged the graduates to live a productive life that would make them proud of themselves.  An audio visual presentation, by Valerie B. Williams, entitled “Bridging the Gap” highlighted reflections of The Class of 1968 from 1968 to 2014. The presentation emphasized the importance of class unity and community service throughout their lives.   The Mistress of Ceremony was the class president, Sylvia Wells-Moore, who also provided the graduates with encouraging remarks.  Photo Ops, Refreshments and Fellowship culminated the evening.

Scholarship awards are funded by The Class Holiday Extravaganza and applications are accepted each Spring for consideration.  Over the past 36 years the class has presented scholarship awards to high school graduates attending local schools.  Scholarship awards are based on the senior’s grades, personal references and The Class of 1968 Board of Directors’ recommendation.

The Class is a non-profit organization whose motto is “To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required”.

Photos from the event: