On Saturday, June 23, 2001, the former South Park High School Greenie Band under the direction of Willie J. LaGrone held its first reunion at the Holiday Inn - Midtown.  In attendance were approximately 110 band members from the classes of  1963 through 1976.

    All who attended came from every walk of life and from across the entire USA.  Many friendships were re-kindled since the graduates in attendance represented 13 graduating classes.  The highlight of the evening was the presentation of "Special Recognition" in honor of Mr. LaGrone for his years of service as band director at South Park High School. While under his direction he instilled in each of us Greenie Pride, and that Pride was ever present on Saturday evening.

    Memories of band trips were shared by all as people recounted such times as when the Greenie Band traveled to Toronto, Canada and participated in such events as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio.  Other parades included the Veteran's Day Parade in Beaumont, Texas.  While under his direction, the Band received seven (7) 1st Division Ratings at UIL Marching Band Contest.

    Saturday evening, band members were able to view old marching band tapes thanks to modern technology and the assistance from band members Glen Moyer, Class of 1970, Rick Nelson, Class of 1974 and to Mr. LaGrone.  The UIL 8 MM films were transposed to VHS tapes and were available to band members for viewing.  Also, band members heard old concert contest tapes, thanks to Steve Williams, Class of 1970, for transposing these tapes to CD.

    Members of the Planning Committee identified approximately 315 graduates from the years of 1963 through 1976 as being members of the Band at one time or another.  Of those 315 members, the Committee was able to locate approximately 233 band members.

    Although Mr. LaGrone was guest of honor, a very special thanks goes to the Planning committee, who spent countless hours planning this event and trying to contact everyone. As a member of the class of "72" reunion committee, I know what a task of this magnitude takes.

       L. to R. Tommy Forse, Class of 1974, Eddy Byerly, Class of 1974 , Charlene Flaherty Merchant, Class of 1972, David Kokenes, Reunion Coordinator Class of 1975, Mr. Willie J. LaGrone, Dana Loudon, Class of 1973, Debbie Bonner Standley, Class of 1973, Larry Bonner, Class of 1970 and
(not pictured) Sabrina Gee McNabb, Class of 1975

Thank you all for you're efforts in locating fellow band members and in organizing for what appears to be the first of many reunions to come for the former Greenie Band.