Jazz in the Garden at Drake State

Kim Caudle Lewis, Drake State President Pat Sims, Mona Miller Charley Burruss, Pat Sims, Bobby Bradley

Drake State Celebrates 60 Years with Jazz in the Garden

Photos by Stephanie E. Jennings

Drake State held a celebration in to commemorate the institution’s 60th Anniversary on April 15. The 300-400 guests dined on fare from Noble Chefs, Chef Darvin and Drake State Culinary. Flowers and décor were arranged by the Jazz in the Garden Committee. Providing entertainment were The KAYO Band – Headliner; Devere Pride Quintet; Keiani Taylor, a spoken word poet; and Dazzlin’ Dymes Dance Team.

“We were thrilled to host Jazz in the Garden for the community as the finale to our yearlong 60th Anniversary celebration,” said Dr. Patricia G. Sims, President of Drake State. “It was a beautiful night to visit with friends, new and old, enjoy the entertainment and food and raise scholarship dollars for our students. It is always powerful to see what can be accomplished when we come together and do great things. I’m grateful to our staff, volunteers and the community for making Jazz in the Garden such a success.” n

Bobby & Patti White, Garrett Coyne, Pat Sims, Cathy Anderson Stender, Elizabeth Elliott, Bill Stender, Holly & Daniel Oswell

Pat & Mike Sims with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

Denetra Hartzog-Mitchell, Kelvin Mitchell Karen Nabors, Martha Winkles