By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
During the week of September 29 – October 1, 2023, the South Plantation Class of 1983, Parkway Paladins, celebrated their 45th Anniversary with a series of activities that commenced on Friday with a Meet & Greet at Dave & Busters in Hollywood. Later that night a social affair was held at the VFW on Pembroke Road, also in Hollywood.
After some much needed rest, the enthusiastic, energetic Paladins visited their old stomping grounds – South Plantation High – for a school tour and class photo dressed in reunion T-Shirts and jeans. Having worked up an appetite, they next headed to Smitty’s Restaurant on Sistrunk to re-energize in preparation for the reunion’s crown jewel, the formal banquet held at the Signature Grand in Davie.
As a former teacher and coach at South Plantation, the awesome members of the Class of 1983 invited my wife Sonia and me to this auspicious event. They were all so very kind, generous and appreciative of the contributions that myriad teachers, educators, and coaches made in their lives’ journeys after graduating to adulthood.
Then on Sunday the reunion concluded as many came together one final time to worship at the New Mt. Olive Baptist Church Fort Lauderdale, then for lunch at Cooper’s Hawk Restaurant, Galleria Mall Sunrise. Blessed to be apart of two of the final activities, I want to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the awesome Parkway Paladins for inviting Sonia and me to the reunion activities. Special thanks to Mrs. Linda Wright Smith, whose persistence and class generosity, made our participation a joyful requirement. I’d like also thank Mrs. Tonya Wesley-Pile and her organizing committee: Orene Harper Terry, Natalie McGirt Andrews, Regina Casteel Penn, Lisa Thomas Johnson, Blair Christophe, Jeffrey Collie, Linda Wright Smith, Gwen Cummins, Wanda Johnson Jimenez, Diane Lee, and Deborah Powell. Linda Wright Smith added, “Tonya had the brainstorm where she says that God spoke to her and told her to gather her classmates this year and she obeyed. We started in March and with the team were able to pull this off. Unfortunately, one of our own, Albert Connor (great basketball player for the Paladins) passed away before our event date but had intentions on attending. This event was so amazing in that some of us had not seen each other in 30 plus years, but the love and connection kicked in immediately. Also, let’s not leave out Chris Smith who allowed us to visit his place on Saturday and treated us well.”
Thanks for such a wonderful, successful and fantastic celebration. To God be the Glory!
Go Paladins
