Cameron Newslink The official newsletter of the Cameron High Alumni Association, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee
CA M ERO N H I G H A LU M NI A S S O CI AT I O N, I N C . MISSION S TAT EM E NT
SEPTEMBER 2012
Blue & Gold Scholarship Ball is set for Nov. 24
To perpetuate the memory of Cameron High School, our Alma Mater, by fostering unity, fellowship and support among our membership.
To raise funds to provide educational and financial assistance to deserving young men and women through the O.R. Jackson Scholarship Foundation, named in memory of our legendary and beloved principal and chief mentor. The Class of 1971, one of three classes honored, boogied the night away at last year’s Parade of Classes.
To perpetuate goodwill among those whose lives we touch.
Inside this issue: From Our Vice President
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Voter Information
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Meet the 2012-2013 Board & Chairpersons
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Minutes from July Meeting
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Place your ads in the new electronic brochure
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Photos from “A Taste of Cameron “
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Blue & Gold Dinner/Ball
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NASHVILLE—The Cameron High Alumni Association, Inc. presents the 27th Annual Blue & Gold Weekend, Friday, November 23 – Saturday, November 24. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Legacies — Past and Present.” The Annual Praise & Worship Service will be at Tabernacle Baptist Church 1224 12th Ave., S., Friday, November 23. Former Pastor Richard Hunt (deceased) was a member of the Class of ’62, which will be celebrating its 50th Reunion this year. Admission is free, but we will collect a love offering. Mrs. Ola G. Hudson and Mr. Leonard Morton, former faculty at Cameron High School, are the special honorees for the Saturday morning Blue & Gold Brunch. Both have enjoyed illustrious careers enhancing and touching the lives of so many
former students whom they taught as well as all who walked the halls at Cameron High School. Please join us from 9:30 a.m. —12 Noon as we pay tribute to these exceptional educators and mentors. The brunch will be in the large gymnasium. Tickets are $13 per person and can be purchased at the door. Proceeds from all weekend events will benefit the O.R. Jackson Scholarship Fund. Mr. Jackson served Continued on page 4
Ola Hudson
Leonard Morton
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We Are More Than an Association, We’re Family!
As
I continue to work with the Cameron High Alumni Association, I have begun to see the organization in a broader sense than I had before. Many have been at this longer that I have, some for over 26 years. I am amazed at the camaraderie that I see among the alumni, our former teachers and many of our supporters. Many work at this so tirelessly and give of their time so unselfishly, with such character and goodwill. It is pleasing when you see this among individuals.
Our young people are in need of scholarships, now more that ever. We can help them succeed. Many of our recipients have gone on to do great things and we have been a part of their legacy. We have no choice but to continue to help.
This is a new era, but Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream is not quite Years ago, I would run into Harry Beamon. Harry didn’t complete. Many families are still waste an opportunity to invite me to get involved in the struggling in so many ways trying Alumni Association. He would call me every year. He was to further their children’s education. George McLaurine not intimidating, but pleasant with a bunch of patience. He But we have so many cheerful givwould just ask! At the time, I was shortsighted and selfish. I ers: Alumni who year after year, event after event give was not motivated to get out of my comfort zone. Of their money and time to see this great legacy continue. course, I voiced all kinds of excuses; my business, my church, Your participation in the events that we sponsor during the this and that was taking up all of my time. They were just year is so crucial to our existence. We thank you so very excuses! I just didn’t want to do it and really did not feel much. the importance at that time. Until I thought about the scripWe continue to have great leadership. Our President, ture that says, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Charles Watkins, must be commended. His commitment to Life is short and fleeting! The funerals just keep coming. this organization is extraordinary. But we need your insight Every one of them feels like a class reunion. Over the past as we set the foundation for this family for years to come. 18 months, many of our Alumni have passed away. Some Life is so short, but together we can make a difference! Alumni have been sick and some have been in need. What’s amazing is that time and time again this Alumni Association The Alumni meet every second Tuesday of every month in the Alumni Room at Cameron at 6:00 p.m. If you have not has banned together in support of our own. Yes, we have been to a meeting lately, you are invited. Mark you calenour little disagreements, but when it comes down to crunch dars now and set aside a couple of hours to commune with time, the Cameron Alumni family has been solid. your family. If you really look at your life, it is conclusive that our parents and former teachers and principals have had a positive ef- George E. McLaurine, Vice-President Cameron High Alumni Association fect on our lives. So, why not do this for someone else!
U.S. Presidential Election is November 6! If you need help registering to vote, need to update your information, or you’re not sure if you are already registered, go to http://www.canivote.org/ . The U.S. Presidential election (November 6) is only a few weeks away. We have no excuse for not participating in the process. If you need information on early voting in Tennessee, visit http:// www.tennessee.gov/sos/election/earlyvoting.htm. Find out how to vote by mail (absentee) at http://www.tn.gov/sos/ election/bymail.htm. According to the State’s Election website: “To vote early, a person must appear in person at either the county election commission office or at a satellite voting location opened by the county election commission. For each election, early voting begins 20 days before the election and ends 5 days before the election. Although closed from voting on holidays, a person may vote early on any Saturday that falls during this time frame.” Vote early, by mail or at the polls! BUT REMEMBER: If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain!
September 2012
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2012-2013 Board Members & Committee Chairs Working for YOU! Results of the election: President: Charles Watkins Vice President: George McLaurine 2nd Vice President: Gloria Pillow Chief Financial Officer: William Taylor Treasurer: Mildred Mannings Bookkeeper: Barbara Coure Recording Secretary: Shirley Johnson Asst. Recording Secretary: Almedia Blackman Chaplain : Minister Jennifer Dobbins Assistant Chaplain: Gene Green Historian : Morgan Branch Parliamentarian: Jacqueline Brown Public Relations Officer: Amelia Scruggs
November Events Chairs
Seated (l-r): JoAnn Washington and Shirley Johnson. Standing (l-r): Morgan Branch, Mildred Mannings, George McLaurine, Charles E. Watkins Jr., Gloria Pillow, Barbara Coure, Princess Gordon-Patton, and Amelia Scruggs.
Highlights of June 12 Meeting
Praise & Worship Co-Chairs: Shirley Johnson and Eula Hendricks Brunch Chair: Morgan Branch Blue & Gold Dinner/Ball Co-Chairs: JoAnn Washington and Ruby Robinson
Newsletter: Gloria Pillow Information is needed for the newsletter, including names and photos of the scholarship recipients.”
The Cameron High Alumni Association met in the Archive Room for the General Meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by the President, Charles E. Watkins. Devotion was prayer Old Business: by Jennifer Dobbins. The minutes were read and received by a motion from Jennifer Dobbins, seconded by Gloria Pillow, and the Blue and Gold Weekend: This Year’s Theme: “Celebrating Legacies, majority agreed. Past and Present.” Treasurer’s Report: Mildred Mannings Brunch Chairperson: Morgan Branch Beginning Balance: $6,657.63 Ronnie Johnson will oversee contract for the caterer and the DJ. Total Deposits: $50.00 Total Income: $6,707.63 Raffle: Carrie Washington Spring Fling: George McLaurine At the Gate $1,762.00 Vendors $375.00 Donations $431.00 Total Income $2,568.00 Total Expenses $2,137.85 Total Profit $430.15 George expressed that it was a first class event. He received excellent reviews from the vendors. Special thanks to the committee for their loyalty and sacrifice. The only negative factor: The event was not published in the media as promised.
A $300 Gift Card will be raffled ($3.00 per ticket). Scholarship Committee Report: Peggy Gooch – any questions regarding the criteria and the handling of scholarships should be directed toward the committee that oversees the scholarships. A time change at this meeting was set for 6:00 p.m., beginning in September and October. Election of Officers The election was held at this meeting. One ballot was received that caused a tie between the Second Vice President and the Historian; therefore, we must vote again on those two positions. The meeting was adjourned and the watch word was repeated. Shirley Johnson, Recording Secretary
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Dinner/Ball, from page1
as principal of Cameron High School from 1958 until he retired in 1970. Ticket Information The Blue & Gold Dinner/Ball will be held at the Music City Sheraton, 777 McGavock Pike. Tickets are available via mail (see the ticket order form on p. 7) or locally at the Adkins Funeral Home, 2510 12th Avenue, South. This year, organizers would like to seat alumni at tables with their classmates. The class which sells the most tickets will be recognized and will win a prize. Individual tickets are $50 up until Nov. 12. Tickets purchased Nov. 13 – Nov. 19 will be $65. No tickets will be sold after Nov. 19, no exceptions, per hotel contract requirements. Table prices are $500 @ 10 persons per table. Hotel Information We also have reserved 10 guest rooms @ $89 per night, plus applicable taxes and fees (15.25%). This rate is available for arrival on November 24, or one night. Call the Sheraton Hotel reservations department at 615885-2200 to make reservations, no later than October 23. Reservations made after the cut-off date can be made at the prevailing rate, based on availability. Please mention that you would like to make reservations at the Cameron High Alumni Association, Inc.'s Blue & Gold rate.
“Gone, but never forgotten” Ross, Mrs. Catherine – September 4, Mother of Mrs. Charlene Spencer, Ms. Shirley Ross, and Ms. Deborah Ross Walker (CHAA Lifetime Members) Robinson, Mrs. Olist T. – Former Cameron Faculty Member Caruthers, Mr. William – July 4, Class year unknown Rutledge, Mr. Ronnie V. – July 25, Class of 1967 Waller, Mr. Elvie J. – August 16, Class of 1968 Ransom, Mrs. Betty J. – August 19, Mother of McCoy, Ormond, and Brian Ransom and Rev. Brenda Hayes Corley, Martha, 92 - Sept. 25, Mother of William and Richard Corley.
Inc.) should the guest not show up for a confirmed reservation.
In the event a guest checks out prior to the reserved check out date, an early departure fee equal to half the room Note: Reservations cancelled within 24 rate will be charged to the guest’s hours of arrival will be billed one individual credit card or to the Master night’s room and tax as a penalty. Account. Guests wishing to avoid this One night’s room and tax will be fee must advise the Hotel at or before charged to the guest’s individual credit check-in of any change to their card or to the Master Account (CHAA, scheduled length of stay.
The brochure committee is seeking the help of all alumni in obtaining personal and business ads for the 27th Annual Blue and Gold souvenir brochure. Funds generated from ad sales contribute to the O. R. Jackson Scholarship Fund. Ad prices are as follows: Full page $100.00 ½ page $50.00 ¼ page $25.00 1/8 page $12.00 Patrons $5.00 The brochure will be on CD this year rather than the printed version we have had in previous years. This electronic version is much more cost effective and reduces the printing cost, with proceeds from ads going toward scholarships for deserving students. Free copies of the CDs will be given to all persons/businesses purchasing full page, ½ page, or ¼ page ads. The purchase price of a CD will be $5.00 for all others. They will be available at the Blue and Gold Dinner/Ball. The deadline for turning in ads is Saturday, OCTOBER 13, 2012. Please submit original digital or jpeg photos. Electronic ads may be sent to: panthers@cameronalumni.net or amelia@ameliascruggs.com. Checks and hard copy ads/photos can be mailed to Cameron High Alumni Association, P.O. Box 681, Antioch, TN 37011-0681. Anyone wishing to renew an ad from last year can contact your ad solicitor, or Amelia Scruggs at 615-330-1633 or send via email to: amelia@ameliascruggs.com. Not only will ads appear in the brochure but they also will be available on the Cameron High Alumni Association website for a full year, which is a benefit especially to businesses.
September 2012
“A Taste of Cameron� was held at Cameron Middle School in August. The scholarship fundraiser included an assortment of delectable edibles, fun, information booths and vendors. Carrie Washington, chairperson for the committee, hopes that this will be an annual event.
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September 30, 2012
“MANY IMITATE ... BUT NONE CAN DUPLICATE”
September 2012
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2012 Cameron Blue & Gold Dinner/Ball Ticket Order Form
“The Mighty Panthers”
Invest in Our High School Graduates Today! Donate Number of tickets ____________@ $50.00 per ticket
Amount $____________
Number of tables ____________ @10 people per table
Amount $____________ Class Year
Name on Table:___________________________________________
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Where there is Charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. — St. Francis of Assisi TO PURCHASE TICKETS BY MAIL: Make checks or money orders payable to Cameron Alumni Association and mail along with this form to: Blue & Gold Dinner/Ball Tickets, Cameron Alumni Association, P.O. Box 681, Antioch, TN 37011. Tickets purchased with personal checks will be mailed once checks are cashed. Please allow at least two weeks for delivery. TO PURCHASE TICKETS LOCALLY: Bring this form along with cash or money order to: Bill Taylor, Adkins Funeral Home, 2510 12th Ave., S. For more information about tickets, call Bill Taylor: 615292-8367.
Email: panthers@cameronalumni.net Visit us on Web: www.cameronalumni.net Phone: 615-782-3900 Charles E. Watkins, Jr., President
Praise the Lord Cameronites!
George McLaurine, Vice President
This is another edition of “Fight On.” Our Scripture today comes from 2 Dobbins Chronicles 20:15, which says: “And he said Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou King Jehoshaphat. Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God’s.”
Princess Gordon-Patton, Newsletter Editor Gloria Pillow, Contributor
What this is saying is that we shouldn’t have to fight for anything, because as long as we have God in our lives He will fight for us. So we should always listen to his instructions. Let him take control, and always obey Him. He will never lead you in the wrong direction. Until next time, May God bless you. – Rev. Jennifer Dobbins, Chaplain
“Many imitate, but none can duplicate!” CAMERON HIGH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 681 ANTIOCH, TN 37011-0681