Walker-Gamble alumni celebrate 6th reunion, 64-year school legacy

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By KRISHNA G. BROWN

editorial@manninglive.com

The Walker Gamble High School Alumni Association joined with family and friends in a celebration the third weekend of September of the "rich history of that great institution," said alumna Betty Rose.

"The weekend began with a meet-and-greet in the gymnasium of Walker Gamble Elementary School in Clarendon School District 3 in New Zion," she said. "This was followed by our prayer breakfast that Saturday morning, Sept. 16, at Oak Grove AME Church in Lake City, where the Rev. Shenard Barnes serves as pastor."

During that service the alumni awarded a scholarship stipend to high school graduate Flury Gamble.

"On Sunday morning, graduates - which included veterans, retirees, active and retired educators, nurses, other professionals, family and friends - worshiped with Pastor Frederick Johnson and the St. John AME Church family in Kingstree," Rose said. "These graduates were (former) students of Melina, Hickory Grove, Oak Grove, Howard Chapel, Friendship and St. John - six of nine - church schools which consolidated into Walker Gamble School in 1953."

Rose said that two pioneer Walker Gamble teachers joined alumni at the reunion. They included Dorothy Wheeler and Mary L. Brock Wheeler, both of whom began teaching at the school when it opened in 1953.

"Also in attendance were two graduates of the second graduating class of 1955, including Saretter G. Witherspoon and Pearlie C. Weaver, both octogenarians," Rose said. "(We also had members) of the class of 1957, including Edna G McFadden."

Rose said the theme for the weekend was "Life, Love and Legacy."

"The entire weekend was awesome," she said "Our theme also Tok from the words of our alma mater, which we will continue to sing: "Dear Walker Gamble, we will always honor you."

Rose said the next reunion will be held in September 2020.

"The celebration of this 64-year legacy and the sixth school reunion were a huge success," said Rose. "Start planning (for the next reunion) now. Information will be forthcoming."