Saturday, December 13, 2025
10:00AM 12:30PM
JACKSON MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH 534 Fairburn Road SW
GREETINGS WOLFPACK NATION!
Cutris W. Miller
Today is more than a shared meal; it’s a celebration of love, unity and the strength that comes from being there for one another. Your Southwest Atlanta High School Alumni Association (SWAHSAA) extends a warm and heartfelt welcome to each of you and your guests! This season offers a joyous and wonderful reminder of what connects us - friendship, compassion, and the spirit of giving back to the community that has brought us thus far along the way. But the journey is not over. At a time when the world seems so cold, gatherings like this provide us with an opportunity to feel the power of community, a place of kindness, inclusion, and shared
May our ANNUAL ALUMNI HOLIDAY BREAKFAST bring warmth to your spirit, laughter to your table, and hope for the days ahead. Remember, tomorrow is not promised! Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with peace, gratitude, and joy … and a New Year overflowing with promise!
Curtis W. Miller Chairman
Southwest High School Alumni Association
BREAKFAST LEADERSHIP TEAM CLASS OF ‘77
Corliss Hill White Cassandra Jackson
Cheryl Costen-Hibbler Billette Owens Ashford
Master of Ceremony
Noisby Hilton, A Beloved, Clean, Comedian from Manning, South Carolina, who now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, has built a reputation for turning everyday moments and especially church life into unforgettable laughter.
With a gift for finding humor in the familiar, Noisby blends sharp storytelling with warm, relatable insights that leave audiences feeling lighter, hopeful, and fully entertained.
Comedy has been part of Noisby’s life for as long as he can remember, but it was 20 years ago, while directing choirs, he decided to take this craft seriously. Since then, he has stepped boldly onto stages throughout the country, hosting choir anniversaries, wedding receptions, birthday celebrations, funerals and corporate events. Whether he’s bringing a church crowd to tears laughing about Sunday morning mishaps or warming up a formal audience with everyday funnies, Noisby’s style remains refreshingly clean, thoughtful, and joy-filled.
Driven by a heartfelt purpose, Noisby’s mission is simple yet deeply meaningful: to remind people that life is still worth living to the fullest. He believes that after you’ve cried, struggled, or carried the weight of your day, there’s healing in laughter and he’s committed to offering that moment of relief every time he steps to the mic. Authentic, uplifting, and naturally hilarious, Noisby Hilton continues to use comedy as a bridge between hearts, communities, and hope we all need.
Noisby Hilton
Group Photo SOUTHWEST
3RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY
Scholarship Breakfast
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Program
Noisby Hilton Master of Ceremony
WELCOME
2025 Breakfast Leadership, Team Class of 1977
PRAYER
Rev. Galetha Thompson ‘74
MILESTONE CELEBRATIONS
Class of 1970 · 55 years
Class of 1975 · 50 years
Class of 1980 · 45 years
HONORING OUR LEGACY
Special Greetings
BREAKFAST
Musical Medley
ACKNOWLEDGING OUR OWN
Membership Matters
Closing Remarks
Curtis W. Miller
Alma Mater
William Green is an extraordinary musical artist that captures and expresses the sentiments of a generation. He is continuously expanding his horizons to make an impact on society by creating a union between music and life. Through his music, he has allowed different genres of contemporary jazz, rhythm and blues, pop and gospel to Integrate into a new and unique form. His most notable musical acclaim is celebrating over 45 years in the music industry. The legendary jazz icon held a special 40th anniversary celebration at City Winery Atlanta and performed before a sold-out crowd.
As a full-time musician, composer, songwriter and producer, Green is passionate about his music and he puts his heart and soul into his performances. His six albums possess an exceptionally well composed body of original songs that he wrote and produced. His recent album entitled, “Good To Go”, debuted on September 27, 2025 in front of a live audience. “I pride myself on creating timeless music that can be shared with the world for a lifetime,” says Green.
Green has showcased his charismatic charm and keyboard mastery with audiences around the world (Japan, Europe, Africa), while performing nationally with acclaimed artists such as Boney James, Tom Brown, Earl Klugh, Roy Ayers, Mindi Abair, Peabo Bryson, Cameo, Valerie Simpson, Kenny Lattimore, Melba Moore, Jennifer Holiday, Jean Carne, the sons of Otis Redding (military tour), BB King All-Star Band and Curtis Mayfield. He also had the privilege of appearing with Susan Tedeschi, as the opening act for the Rolling Stones, opened for Spyro Gyra and The Yellow Jackets. William graduated from Chicago Vocational High, where he learned how to read, write and compose music. He later furthered his education at Morehouse College and Georgia State University majoring in Commercial Music.
Celebrating Our Own
REVEREND DR. GREGORY ANTHONY SUTTON, CLASS OF 1970
Rev. Sutton is the pastor of Jackson Memorial Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, where he has faithfully served for over 54 years. Under his visionary leadership, the church has expanded twice to accommodate its growing congregation of more than 6,000 members.
A respected spiritual leader, community activist, and mentor, Dr. Sutton founded the movement “Stop the Violence, Save the Children” and pioneered prayer gatherings for students before school. His weekly broadcast “Now Is the Time “extends his ministry to the homebound, hospitalized, and incarcerated.
DEBRA MCGHEE-MCCRARY, CLASS OF 1971
Debra McGhee-McCrary served as Chief Executive Officer of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. beginning in 2012, continuing the legacy of her late father, co-founder Dr. Nelson McGhee, Jr. With a career spanning nearly forty years, she advanced health education, advocacy, and public service for families affected by sickle cell disease. A proud Howard University communications major, she was widely recognized for her impact in community engagement, policy, and public health innovation.
Debra’s legacy of excellence and compassion endures. She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, who continues to treasure her memory.
THERESA HIGHTOWER, ATLANTA’S FIRST LADY OF SONG, CLASS OF 1972
Celebrated as Atlanta’s First Lady of Song, she captivated audiences with her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence, performing in concert halls across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. A versatile artist, Theresa’s talents extended to musical theatre, cabaret, film, and songwriting. Her credits include Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection, Made in Heaven, #Digital Lives Matter, and Hap and Leonard
A proud graduate of Southwest Atlanta High School’s Class of 1972, and the second to be crowned Miss Southwest, Theresa maintained a lifelong bond with her community and beloved alma mater. Following her passing in October 2018, she left an enduring legacy of artistry, grace, and mentorship most notably through her son, Tony Hightower, whom she nurtured into a gifted vocalist in his own right.
PHILLIP HUNTER, CLASS OF 1977
Phillip Hunter is the Founder and CEO of the Community Restoration Project (CRP), a Georgia-based nonprofit established in 2020 to help individuals and families overcome homelessness and rebuild stability across Fulton, DeKalb, Douglas, Cobb, Clayton, and Gwinnett counties. A seasoned social services executive, Phil previously served as Executive Director of Georgia Works!, where he guided more than 875 men to achieve permanent self-sufficiency with an 80% long-term success rate. A proud Southwest High School Class of 1977 and Morehouse College alumnus he continues to model servant leadership and community empowerment.
To Our Educators
The Southwest Atlanta High School Alumni Association would like to thank you for sharing in our 3rd Annual Holiday Scholarship Breakfast. We are grateful for your presence, warm wishes and generosity. We always look forward to your fellowship and support.
Sometimes, it takes a village. We are thankful that you ignited curiosity and joy in our young minds. We are better because you transformed lessons into lifelong wisdom. We are blessed to have been taught by the very best.
We honor you. We appreciate you!
2025 Alumni Events
Amazing, Adventurous, Achievers (AAA) Readers Literacy Program
Annual Golf Classic Tournament
Educate and Elevate Community Impact
Four (4) Scholarships to B. E. Mays High School Seniors
Benjamin E. Mays High School Visions Program
Supported the Anthony Flanagan Recreation Center with equipment
Quarterly Worship Service
1st Annual HOWLFEST
Mark Your 2026 Calendar!
ANNUAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEETING
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 1:00pm-4:00 pm
Mt. Vernon Baptist Church 815 Lynhurst Drive SW, Atlanta, GA
QUARTERLY WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday, March1, 2026 11:00am
Flat Rock Missionary Baptist Church 40 Flat Rock Drive, Villa Rica, GA
4TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY SCHOLARSHIP BREAKFAST
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:00 am There’s much more!
Look for information about other alumni events from your class representatives and on our social media pages.
Sponsors & Partners
STEWART MILLER SIMMONS TRIAL ATTORNEYS
ALFONSO DAWSON
755 RESTAURANT CORPORATION
ASHFORD DENTAL
RENT DUE
IBEW LOCAL 613
5TH DOWN CONSULTING GROUP
JANNEY
STATE FARM INSURANCE/Clint Raines ‘78
Nancy Hill Cook ‘74
EVELYN G. LOWERY LIBRARY
Mike Ross ‘75
MOUNT VERNON BAPTIST CHURCH
MAYS CLUSTER SCHOOLS
Benjamin E. Mays High School, Jean Childs Young Middle School
Beecher, Cascade, Lenora P. Miles, Peyton Forest, & West Manor Elementary Schools
Sponsors & Partners
Membership Matters!
What does membership mean?
As members of the Southwest Atlanta High School Alumni Association, we rise, we lead, supporting our youth, planting the seed; through Education, Service, Scholarship and Unity.
Please scan the QR code to pay your annual membership fee or life membership fee. Our mission is to offer academic scholarships to deserving high school seniors as they prepare for the next phase of their life, education and career. We are proud to continue to build bridges between alumni, students and educators across the Mays Cluster: Benjamin E. Mays High School, Jean Childs Young Middle School, and the five (5) elementary schools – Beecher Hills, Cascade, Leonora P. Miles, Peyton Forest and West Manor, while giving back to the community that shaped us.
Special Thanks to those that contributed to the toy drive! This year, the collection of toys will benefit the students at
Thank You
Curtis W. Miller
Jamella Hope Jackson
Pamela Faith Jackson
Barbara Hall
Tony Hightower
JACKSON MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH
Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia
Valerie Gray
William Green
Noisby Hilton
Margaret Hodge Volunteers AND
EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED AND CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE SOUTHWEST ATLANTA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.
We appreciate your support.
2025 Breakfast Leadership Team, Class of 1977 ! Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring you Peace and Joy!
STEERING COMMITTEE
Executive Board
Curtis W. Miller, Chairman
Craig Costen, Vice Chairman
Barbara S. Hall, Treasurer
Corliss Hill White, Associate Treasurer
Linda Bennett Burras, Recording Secretary
Jamella Hope Jackson, Correspondence and Finance Secretary
Class Representatives
1967
Phyllis Jackson Smith
Gregory Love
1968
Sheila Chandler Stephens
Bernestine Hicks Ross
1969
Pamela-Faith Jackson
Pamela Wilkes
1970
Marcia A. Jackson
Calvinette Davis Byrd
1971
Dwight McCrary
Patricia Walker
1972
Rosalyn Bussey Johnson
Lileve Jackson Hawk
1973
Dr. Del Eppinger
Darrell Morgan
1974
Galetha Thompson
Johnny Mason
1975
Craig Costen
Denise Pope Moss
1977
Cheryl Costen Hibbler
Corliss Hill White
1978
Audrey Wise Milam
Kathy Owens Camp
1979
Ben Jackson
Debbie Whipple
1980
Linda Bennett Burras
Kim Brown
1981
Barbara S. Hall
Gail Jones Smith
Southwest High School Alma Mater
While the sands of time are shifting, Some will leave and some will stay.
Her spirit and traditions will Forever have their say.
Her ideals will reign majestic
Through every hallowed year.
She stands for all our fondest dreams, The things that we hold dear.
Her strength will ever shine, A goal for all to see, And it will always be a lasting shrine.
And throughout history,
She’ll shine for you and me,
Her aims will never die.
Spirit is our best possession.
‘Twill always be the best. It echoes in our hearts and we’ll ne’er forget SOUTHWEST.