The Pride is Still Strong Keeping the Legacy Alive
Fifty Years of Tradition Wildcats on a Mission
May 29 - June 1, 2025
Augusta Marriott @ The Convention Center
Two 10th Street, Augusta, Georgia
Message from the Reunion Chairperson
Greetings my classmates, family and friends, former teachers and guests of the Lucy C. Laney Class of 1975.
Giving praise to Almighty God,
50 years ago, we arrived on the campus of Lucy Craft Laney High School. We were young, wide-eyed, and some of us were just a little scared. Senior high school was vastly different from junior high school. We had been accustomed to a smaller, more close-knit environment. Thrust into a larger environment with Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, we were at the beginning of our last leg of a journey toward adulthood where we learned and realized our parents and guardians (or grandparents) would no longer be the only influence in our lives. Our parents, along with the entire school personnel at Lucy Laney, was that village that it took to raise us. We made it through and proudly graduated. We went our separate way but through the efforts of our classmate, Arleen Cooper, the class remained intact. Arleen rallied around the class and kept it from folding, serving as President from 1975 to 1986. Leading us to our first reunion in 1985. Barry Howard was elected President and Frances “Bones” Newman, Vice President in 1986. I filled in as Secretary and Treasurer until I was officially voted into those offices in 2014. On December 17, 2020, Barry earned his heavenly wings and passed. Bones officially became the fourth President of the Class of 1975 and continues to serve in that capacity.
It was always my desire to return to Laney and teach. I was blessed to do just that from 1972 to 1986 (part time), from (1993 to 2020) full time and even now, in my retirement.
I had the pleasure of teaching at Laney and coaching Tennis, JV Basketball, Cheerleading and Boy’s Track. Coach David Dupree was my mentor along with Coach Otis Smart. I knew those were big shoes to fill, but failure was not an option. I taught and coached many of my classmate’s children and grandchildren. By God’s grace I was giving back to the school I hold most dear.
The last 2 years were not without challenges. Father time has dealt with all of us and I can proudly say “we’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord. Trusting in his holy word.” Your presence here is a testimony to that.
May God bless you and keep you and in the words of Miss Lucy Laney, “Continue to strive to emulate the one who was the epitome of inspiration, pride and grace - and be a productive citizen for the human race.”
Reunion Chairperson
Message from Previous Officials
Dear Classmates of LCL 1975,
Can you believe it has been 50 years since we graduated high school? It feels like yesterday that we were walking the halls of Laney, attending football games, a little bit of partying and dreaming of our futures.
As we prepare to reunite for our Class Reunion, I would like to take a moment to express blessings, gratitude and appreciation to God that we have come this far by faith and grace.
First and foremost, I feel incredibly blessed to have shared some exceptional times and memorable years with some amazing people and formed bonds & friendships that will never fade. I am grateful for the laughs shared and how we always supported each other, through both good and bad times.
So, as we gather together to celebrate our 50th “CHEERS TO 50 YEARS,” let’s take this opportunity to reflect on the journey we have all experienced, since our high school days, and cherish the memories created, and remember those who are no longer with us.
Here’s to FIFTY Years of friendships, memories, and shared experiences. From the beginning 1975, to the present 2025, Lucy C. Laney maintaining and striving to keep the Legacy Alive.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Arleen Cooper Jones
Class President/Chairperson 1975 - 1985
The Class of 1975 is celebrating a significant milestone this year our 50th year anniversary since graduating from Lucy C. Laney High School, The Mighty Wildcats. This golden anniversary is not only a time to reflect on the memories and accomplishments of the past, but also an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and classmates.
The members of the Class of 1975 have come a long way since their high school days. We have experienced the ups and downs of life, faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and achieved success in various aspects of our lives. Some have pursued successful careers, started families, traveled the world, or pursued their passions and hobbies. Each member of the class has a unique story to tell and a legacy to leave behind.
As we gather to celebrate our 50th year anniversary, we have the chance to reminisce about the good old days, share stories and laughter, and renew old friendships. It is a time to recognize the importance of the bonds formed during our high school years and the lasting impact that those relationships have had on our lives.
The Class of 1975 organized class events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities to give back to our Alma Mater and those in need, leaving a positive impact on the world around us.
As we mark this momentous occasion, we can take pride in our accomplishments and celebrate the legacy we have created over the past 50 years. We can look back with gratitude for the experiences, friendships, and memories that have shaped our lives and look forward with hope and excitement for the years to come.
Congratulations on our 50th year anniversary! May this milestone be a time of joy, reflection, and celebration as we continue to make our mark on the world.
Frances “Bones“ Newman
Class
President
2020 - Present
Thursday, May 29th
Lucy C. Laney Class of 1975 50th Reunion “
Cheers to 50 Years“
AGENDA
Wildcat Welcome - Cowboy and CowgirlAttire/Country Western)
6:00 PM
Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center | Two 10th Street
Friday, May 30th
Graduation March with the Class
1:00 PM - Lineup | 2:30 PM - Start Time
William Bell Auditorium | 712 Telfair Street
Fish Fry
5:30 PMAfter Graduation
Second Mount Moriah Baptist Church | 1404 Brown Street
Saturday, May 31st
Banquet -ARed CarpetAffair
6:00 PM - Pictures
6:50 PM - Group Picture
7:00 PM - Walk the Red Carpet (Enter Banquet area for seating)
7:15 PM - Banquet Start Time
Sunday, June 1st
Church Service
9:00AM
Greater Young Zion Baptist Church | 405 Sand Bar Ferry Road
Lunch 11:15AM
Thou are unto us a star, Guiding us to truth’s great light
Laney, Laney, Dear Ol’ Laney, We’ll fore’er be true to thee.
Sons and Daughters of Dear Laney
Raise your voices loud in song. Ever, ever sing her praises And her greatness loud and strong. Rally round her standards royal, Never falter, never fail.
Laney, Laney, Deal Ol” Laney We’ll fore’ever be true to thee.
As we go to fight life’s battle Take we all thy teachings sure, On to join the Army loyal, Of the Laneyites tried and true. May we never soil thy banner
With our act of lurid hue, Laney, Laney, Dear Ol” Laney We’ll fore’er be true to thee.
CHORUS:
Laney, Laney, Laney, Dear Ol” Laney
Thy song shall be our trail; Honor, courage, truth and devotion, May we never fail . Looking forward, reaching upward, Climbing on to greater heights, Fame and wisdom won forever, Dear Ol” Laney High.
Memorabilia
10 Year
Reunion Celebration
Myrtle Beach 1975
Thursday, May 21, 2020
45th Class Reunion
Itinerary
Tybee Island 2020
Welcome Home (Picnic, Cookout) TBA
Friday, May 22, 2020
Super ReunionActivity (see schedule)
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Parade at 10:00 a.m.
Super Reunion Banquet (Masrriott 7:00 p.m. 11:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 24, 2020
Worship Service @ Springfield Baptist Church, 114 12th Street, Augusta, GA 30901
Monday, May 25, 2020
See Super Reunion Schedule
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
TBA
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Graduation @ JBA- 10:30 am
Class banquet Maserati ($30.00 for those who have not paid dues)
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Free day
Friday, May 29, 2020
Leave for Tybee Island*
*Note: Due to COVID-19, the Tybee Island activities were cancelled.
Podium with microphone - 1975 gift to school.
Volunteers for Tutoring and Mentoring - 1993 to 2010.
Provided volunteers to serve Thanksgiving dinner.
Provided snack bags for football team for Georgia Dome game.
Tutoring for GAHS Graduation test - 1993 to 2010 until test was eliminated.
Assisted students in petitioning for diplomas (GHSGT).
Snack bags for girls/boys basketball teams, post season from 1993 to 2025.
Donated to ROTC program
Chaperoned ROTC field trips.
Donated snacks to Pride ofAugusta.
Volunteered to assist Band Director - 1993 to
Provided haircuts to LCL students.
Provided snacks and drinks for boys and girls Track team.
Provided snacks for Tennis teams.
Provided snacks for Cross Country team.
Took students to Exchange Club Fair exhibits - 2000 to 2005.
Took students to Fort Jackson to support classmates graduation.
Provided luncheon for faculty and staff on several occasions.
Provided items for clinic.
Gave two scholarships to the Lucy C. Laney graduating class of 1975.
From the LCL Wish List: Granted, Accomplished & Achieved
Provided digital clocks for Office and Guidance.
Provided picnic tables for SPED/Garden.
Provided inspirational posters around school.
Provided plants for Lobby/Office.
Provide snacks during breaks/during testing.
Mental health wall décor.
Motivational canvas wall art.
Inspirational quotes wall art.
Sports/high school motivational posters.
In Loving Memory
Barry Howard 1986 - 2020
Bones” Newman 2020-2024
Autographs
