Celebrating The Golden Years & Remembering

The Way We Were

The 50th Reunion Committee has diligently planned our 50th reunion event since March 2024, aiming to create a memorable and safe experience for all participants.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who:
Met the early registration deadline of September 30, 2024, the registration drive deadline of February 28, 2025, the extended registration deadline of March 30, 2025, and the final call for registration on April 30, 2025. We appreciate those who have booked hotel rooms at Hotel Lumiere, participated in our successful mug fundraiser, and contributed to the 2025 Class of 1975 Legacy Commemorative Scholarship.
Due to an overwhelming response, we are now at full capacity for all events, including the Meet and Greet on Thursday, June 5th, the Banquet on Friday, June 6th, and the Indoor Picnic on Saturday, June 7th.
Please be advised that due to fire code regulations and venue capacity limits, if you have not preregistered, you cannot pay on-site, and you will not be admitted.
We appreciate your understanding and invite you to join us for the East Side School Tour at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 7th, and for morning worship at Truelight Baptist Church on Sunday, June 8th at 11:00 a.m., where a light continental breakfast will be served in the lower level from 9 to 10:30 before the service. 
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!

 

If you have questions or cannot find your name on the list please leave a comment in the comments section or contact Erica at 618-406-2326 as we are here to help you with any concerns you may have and please note that no further registrations will be accepted.

REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION LIST – CLOSED

Jackie Jones
Reginald Phillips
Fannie Harrison
Robert Spells
Chetney Drain
Leon Spruell
Tammarra Walker
Gail Hudson-Hankins & Paul Hursey
Anthony Young
Greg Hudson
Esther Fuller
Roderick Willis
Joan Nelson
Cynthia Harrington
Don Thomas & Burnetta Hale
Rosa Allen
William Clemons
Shirley Felton
John & Belinda Yakabouvich
Jerry Coleman
Anita Jackson
Jennifer Ezell
Potina & Scott Powell
Jeff  & Tracy Everett – Lincoln
Sylvester Manuel
Kellen Winslow Sr., 1995 Pro Football Hall of Fame, TE
Wilma Tally
Rosalyn Redmond
Ray Russell
Gerald & Theresa Harrison
Ricardo & Katrice Faulkner*
Karen Cross, PhD & Vincent McKinney
Gerard Preston & Desiree Holmes
Sam Harris
Helen Moore
David & Patrice Harden
Gizelle Kirkwood
Harry & Gina Cochran
Linda Gordon
Stephen L. Perkins Sr.
Norman Robinson, PhD
Jackie Riley-Gilliam  & Daniel Gilliam
Alonzo & Sharon Byrd*
Benitta Smith
Otis Williams
Rene Perkins
Erica Brown-Gayles & Moses Gayles
Vickie (Moses) Jones, PhD in Psychology
Donald Kelly & Mary Liggins-Kelly*- Lincoln
Eugene & Guest
Roslyn Cason, PhD
Felecia Kenney Brown
Pastor Mark & Vivian Ratliff*
Dr. Milton Armstrong, MD. & Lewann-Harper Armstrong
ESQ. Ricky Black & Crystal Black
Kevin Boyd
Austin & Caryl (Minerva) Isom
Matthew Hawkins
Stanley Campbell
Wesley Brown – Lincoln
Mose & Vera (Rogers) Clayton
Jeanette & Charles Gregory
Yolanda Bozeman
Phyllis Young-Leggs
Perketia King-Cook
Darryl & Kimberly Jones
Debra Dancy-Walters

 

Stacey K. Jones
Reginald Stewart
Chris & Elaine Carothers
Michael Gordon
Keith Bond
Carolyn (Coney) Radford
Mary E. Bobbitt
Arlesia Emerson Duffy & Gary Duffy
Edward & Kim Vaughn
DTH Theodorise Jackson & Michael Jackson
Alberta Andrews & Patricia Canady
Barbara Brown Stewart & Michael Stewart
Julia Washington Adams & Tommie Adams
Apostle Carlos Malone
Joe & Geneva (Penny) Gray*
Cozetta Cox
Clarice (Recy) Jefferson
Carl Mitchell
Kyrus Harrington
Renita Crosby-Kyle
Louis Kelly
Michael Hines

.

Carlon Bozeman
Gary Smith & Guest
Willie & Pamela  Sanders
Gwen (Doss)Nixon & Robert Nixon
Kim Fuller Barnes
Deborah & Stephen Sanlin
Ronald McGruder
Regina Adams
Cynthia Simmons
Leonard & Gwendolyn Childs
Beverly Swilley & Angela Thomas
Reginald & Karen Wince – Lincoln
Janet & Reginald Hall
Sandra Bradley
Bretta Williams
Doris McGilberry, PhD
Erik & Tawana Dollison
Eunice & Marcus Conner – Lincoln
Sherry Huddleston
Rhonda Duncan
Ambassador Dwight Bush Sr. & Antoinette Cook Bush

 

ADDITIONAL ATTENDEES – Updated on 5/2/25

Carnesta Skinner – Lincoln, Renee (Hicks) Ferguson – Lincoln, Mildred Riley, Cheryl Madison, Patricia Stephens, Bernice Danley, Janise Hayne Jones, Frank & Stephanie Jenkins, Michael Eric Scott,  LuCretia Wallace, Calvin & Norma Davis, Jackie Slaughter, Fredrick Williams, Marquita Carey, Anthony & Cynthia Ward, David & Olivia Clark, Ken & Janice Jones, Faye Johnson, Kevin & Darlene Cheers, Albert Smith, Andrea Perry Sigman, Pam Hogan – Lincoln, Willie & Katrice Gates, Dana & LaVerne Glanton- Lincoln, Eric Wayne – Lincoln, Joddie Ware, Suzette Brooks Crayton, Roy Coleman and Dorris Rencher

Are you looking forward to our upcoming 50th anniversary class reunion This milestone celebration presents a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with cherished friends reminisce about the priceless memories we’ve created and honor the incredible journey that has brought us all here The reunion planning committee has carefully organized meaningful events designed to strengthen our bonds and craft new lasting memories We genuinely hope you will join us in celebrating this significant chapter of our shared story Your presence would be a valued addition to this special gathering. We can hardly wait to experience the joy of reuniting with each of you.

LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN!

Countdown - Celebrating Our 50th Class Reunion

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Celebrate, Celebrate,

Welcome to the Class Reunion

Hello, classmates. The time is near to celebrate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the East St. Louis Senior High School Class of 1975. We are the Flyers.

I’m hopeful that most of you have registered to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime event – a celebration of one of the city’s most accomplished high school graduating classes. We’ve talked about it long enough, and the Organizing Committee has worked their butts off to make sure we have a fun and memorable event. We owe them a gratitude of thanks!

If you were unable to register, there are still opportunities for you to join us. Check out the information on this site to find out what is plan and what to do.

In my previous post, I discussed the various factors that influenced our journey toward the Class of 1975. I noted some significant events that we experienced before graduating from high school, such as the struggle for civil rights, the assassination of national leaders, and the creation of technological advancements, including the development of Microsoft.

Even though we lived through ground-breaking, historical events, they were not the only things that captured our attention. 

 

 

I remember a group of youngsters that cared more about the next big hit from Elton John, Earth, Wind, and Fire, the Bee Gees, Al Green, and the Ohio Players.

And because we thought we invented style, we spent a lot of time in stores like Union, Worth’s, Moderns, Casual Corners, Famous & Barr, and Stix, Baer and Fuller. We were ‘Fly (ers)’, and you couldn’t tell us nothing.

As kids on our way to being young adults, we did a lot of things, had a lot of fun, and made a lot of friends. Let’s use June 5 – 8 to recall some of those moments, make some toasts with our friends, and remember those who are no longer with us – way too many of them.

But once our weekend is done and we prepare to resume our lives as they are, let’s do something meaningful, just as we did by becoming a dynamic graduating class. Let’s continue to make a difference; not just for ourselves and our families, but for the communities where we live, work, and play.

Peace.

Alonzo Byrd – East Side, Class President 

Registration is Closed

hotelumiere

All the rooms that we reserved are fully booked.

Group attendees can make reservations directly with the property or search online for the property and consider using a third-party service for potentially lower rates.

 

.

 

ESTL 1975 Yearbook Cover

Classmates, We need high school pictures from 1972-1975.

If you have a Gmail email account, click on Google Drive to upload photos or click on the Dropbox link for all other email accounts to upload your photos.

 

Click here to view the video of  Dr. ‘Jockenstein’ King – What a blast from the past!

 

HIGH SCHOOL photos

Updated Schedule of Events

Updated 6/1/2025

UPDATED EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

Updated on 6/1/25

Name badges and armbands are required to enter all events

 

Thursday, June 5, 2025: Meet & Greet at Tim & Joe’s from 6:00 to 10:30 pm (casual dress)

Join us for a delightful meet and greet at Tim and Joe’s Tavern located in the Arcades Center at 6500 West Main St., Ste 38, Belleville, IL 62223 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Food will be served from 6:30 to 8:00 pm or until food runs out. Enjoy a selection of appetizers and a cash bar while mingling with fellow attendees. Please enter through the door marked ‘Venue Arcade’ rather than the restaurant entrance; check-in and package distribution will take place outside the arcade entrance. Your packages will include name badges, unique momentos, a VIP arm band for the weekend, a polo shirt, two polos for couples who ordered, a schedule of events, and any mugs you pre-ordered. Additional mugs will be available for purchase during Friday night’s event.

 Friday, June 6, 2025: DINNER BANQUET from 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm / Dress to Impress

HOTELUMIERE AT THE ARCH – 901 N 1st St, St. Louis, MO 63102

*5:15-6:30 Professional Photography Session, with Erica White from Riveting Reflections. The photo shoot for the entire class of 75 and the class couple pictures will be taken in the Atrium area near the waterfall. Then, we will proceed downstairs to Salon D for all other photos. Please be on time for the Group photos.  

  • (Entire Class, C/O 75 Married Couples, All Sports Players, Reunion committee,  and All Group Organizations).
  • Individual and couple photos will be available.
  • On-site printing of 5×7 is $10
  • Pre-ordering is available for 8×10 photos for $15.

* Doors to the banquet will open at 6:00 – Cash Bar (Only cash accepted) & Fruit & Veggie Tray

* Greg Lewis Jr & The Konnect Jazz Band from 7-10 pm

* 7-7:15 – Welcome & Introduction

* 7:15 – 8:45 Dinner buffet style

* During dinner until 9:15 – Guest Speaker, Special Guests & Class recognition, Resolutions, and Memorial Tribute.

* 10-11 Music

11- 2 am – Join us in the Directors Suite, 7th Floor, Room 711 – (BYOB, Music, light snacks, & Cards, or you can bring your own games).

**Program subject to change.

 

 

Saturday, June 7, 2025: Hotelumiere Atrium indoor Picnic from 3:00 – 7:00 (wear your white polo)

Join us for an unforgettable day on Saturday as we kick off with a tour of East Side Senior High from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., led by Anthony Young and Greg Hudson. Please meet at the rear of the school. The indoor picnic will take place in the Hotelumiere atrium from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., featuring a buffet from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. or until food runs out.  So get there early!  Enjoy nostalgic music, mouthwatering food, and fun card games while reconnecting with classmates and mingling with others. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage, as we will provide bottled water. 

Update – Sunday, June 8, 2025:  Church Service starts at 11:00 am

*We will have a continental breakfast in the lower level from 9-10:30 AM

Truelight Baptist Church, 1535 Tudor Avenue, East St. Louis, IL 62207

past reunion photos

If you have a Gmail email account, click on Google Drive to upload photos or click on the Dropbox link for all other email accounts to upload your photos.

birthday celebration photos

If you have a Gmail email account, click on Google Drive to upload photos or click on the Dropbox link for all other email accounts to upload your photos.

IN MEMORIAM

 

I will gain more understanding when I realize that I am always in touch with all forms of life and those who have lived.

People never really die. They leave their bodies. They end their physical existence in order to continue their spiritual journey in another form on another plane. A person who has entered the realm of existence that we call death is never beyond your love. The thing we call death is not a cold or a dark or a frightening and cruel existence. It is an essential part that teaches us to believe in what we cannot see. Once you know a person, you will always know a person. Once you have loved a person, your love will keep them alive.

Life continues after death as long as you remember the warmth of another’s smile, the gentleness of their touch, and the meaning they brought to your life. In your remembrance of another, death cannot overtake life. Life simply changes its form. When you spend time honoring the dreams of one who has changed, standing up for the things they believed in, and doing what you loved to do together, you are saying, “This life continues to touch my life.”

Stay in touch with your loved ones. Send them your love. Use the memory of your time together as motivation to keep growing. Always honor the special ways the one you knew and loved touched your life. Your remembrance offers them a victory over the thing called death.

Until today, you may have misunderstood death. You may have been grieving or mourning the loss of a loved one, believing they were forever gone from your life. Just for today, be devoted to being a living reflection of the dreams and love you shared with someone who has passed on.

IYANLA VANZANT

Honoring the lifelong bond we formed with those who have passed away. We learned life’s truths from the friends with whom we shared many gifts that extend beyond our youth. We will always cherish the friends and schoolmates we adore.

We greatly appreciate your assistance in ensuring our records are complete and accurate. Please review the lists below to help us identify any deceased members we may have overlooked. If you notice any omissions, kindly share their names and the schools they attended in the comment section.

2015 – 2022 / Amazing Grace

Video created by Erica Brown Gayles

EAST SIDE – Hubert H. Hoosman, William E. King, Rosalind Aldridge Langford, Donald Nicholson, Renaldo Williams Sr. Annice Ells, Renaldo Boyd, Jay Carlton Lowry, Deborah Alorsan, Betty Lou Dawson Davis, Althea (Money) Gaines, Dr. Mecca McDonald, Sherly Hill Anderson, Darnell “DD” Heavens, Annie Pearl Bufkin Callahan, Roy Dale, Bernard Bennet, Lee “Pinky” Malone, Victor McIntosh, Yvette Bradigan, Ola Minor Browning, Teresa Black, Dexter Rogers, Alonso Thomas, James Brewer, Byron Conrad, Michael Hill, James Ford, Patricia Mosely, James E. Rencher, Sharon Whitley Rivers, Hezekiah Scruggs, Denise Willis Smith, Virgil ‘Pig’ Smith, Jeffery Stewart,  Michael Karl Hampton, Marlon Reed, Phyllis D. Brown Joiner, Karen Askew, Christopher A. Taylor, Valerie Johnson, Lamont Holman, Lennise Cynethia Mason, Ruth Lewis, Bobby Joe Thompson, Henry Green, Bonita “Neat” Jethro, and LC Goliday Jr.

LINCOLN – Carlos Hood, Frankie Allen, Anita Johnson, Clifton Grump, Portia Mosely, Theodore William Simpson III, Annie Ruth Young, and Douglas Johnson

1975 – 2015 / IT’S SO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE

Video created by Austin Isom

EAST SIDE – Andre James, Anita Howard, Arnold Cobbs, Arnold Johnson, James Ford, Bernard Moore, Beverly Alston, Clara Daniels, Vincent A Jones, Nathan Juniel, Clara Franklin, Debra Brown, Delbert Tucker, Dwayne Barfield, Emmet Glasper, Monty Brooks, Reginald James, Rodney Hurst, Tyrone Hunt, Gloria Davis, Bonita Moore, Floyd Resse, Stephanie Roberson, Edward Stewart, Barry Witherspoon, George Floyd, Jeffery Stewart, Jenell Allen, Jerome Leanard, Joann Johnson Gordon, Laverne Benton, Kevin Perry, Linda Slaughter, Maurice Hooks, Monica H. Jones, Pamela Fitzhugh, Percy Campbell, Phyllis Armstead, Roberta Hearn, Robin Stoval, Robbin Turner, Roderick Austin, Roland Gordon, Rosalyn Hibbler, Roslyn Johnson, Sally Tatum, Stanley Braggs, Terry Bell Collins, Thomas Gardner, Vernon Shipp, Vernon Titley, Wayne Smith, Darryl Paulette, Jacob Martin, Ricardo L. Thomas, and David Bozeman.

LINCOLN – Earl Owens, Charles Prichett, and Joselyn Hendricks

2022 – 2025

Video created by Erica Brown Gayles

EAST SIDE – Myron K. Brown, Joann Brown Horton, Darlene Hughes, Kenneth Johnson, Vanessa Mitchell, Diane Stewart Carter, Wendy York, Jessica Redd, Paul King, Debra Reed, King Tyas, Phillip Michael Kimbrough, Alex (Chat) Chapman, David Kloppner, Lawrence Aycox, Audrey Denzmore-Mitchell, Richard Temple, and Rubinell Bailey

LINCOLN – Belinda Ewing, Gertrude Carson, Karl Hilliard, Michelle Vaughn Hawkins, Carolyn Hamilton, Charlotte Renay Young, and Daryl Henley

ST. TERESA & ASSUMPTION  – Zelphia Robinson Otis

‘When someone that you love dies… it’s like fireworks suddenly burning out in the sky and everything goes black.’

~ Muriel Barbery

 

Wellness in our Golden Years

Our wellness shapes every aspect of our daily lives, from our family lives to our social lives to our working lives. It affects our feelings, choices, and actions. Wellness is our ability to live a healthy, enjoyable, fulfilling life and connect with and care for the people around us.

Wellness is about so much more than having good physical health. True wellness is rooted in mental, emotional, social, occupational, financial, and physical well-being. Wellness is fed and watered by practicing healthy—but simple—habits that allow us to grow and blossom. For those living with chronic illness or challenges to their mental or emotional health, true wellness may seem intangible, even impossible. Yet for all of us, however difficult our circumstances are, the wellness journey is infinitely worth taking, with even the most minor steps. Mostly, if those small steps are all we can take, we will be rewarded with great joy.

Resources coming soon

East St. Louis Sr. High Legacy Commemorative Scholarship

Donations & Fundraiser

The East St. Louis Senior High School (ESLSHS) Class of 1975 Commemorative Scholarship was established to honor the memory of those Class of 1975 graduates who have passed on.

We are reaching out to you today because we believe in the transformative power of education. We need your support to help make this belief a reality.

Our goal is to raise $10,000, which will be used to award scholarships to at least ten students by June 30, 2025.   Depending on the amount raised, additional awards may be made.  The scholarship amount will range between $500 and $1,000 and will be allocated to help cover additional costs associated with higher education at colleges, universities, certification programs, or trade schools. (i.e., Books, school supplies, meals, and transportation). The scholarship is only for East St. Louis students, and we will also be including the Gordon Bush Alternative Center.  We are collaborating with officials at East St. Louis Senior High School to help identify students who are interested in applying.

Prospective scholarship awardees must meet the following criteria:

-GPA of 2.0 or higher

-Be accepted into a college, university, or certification program

-Submit an Essay

-Submit the merit-based application

A Memorial Plaque will be placed at East St. Louis Senior High School to honor those we remember.  There are three levels for donations: Gold Level ($1,000), Silver Level ($500-$999), and Bronze Level ($250-$499).

The plaque will be engraved with the names of both the donor and the loved one.

Your generous donation, in any amount, will have a tangible impact on enabling students to further their education.

You may donate by sending a check, money order, or cashier’s check payable to ESTSL Class of 1975.

Please mail to:

ESTL Class of 1975, 8701 State Street, PO Box 3503, East St. Louis, IL 62203-9997

Thank you for your generosity!

Oprah Winfrey: “Giving is not just about donating; it’s about making

Click here to access the donation form.

On Friday and Saturday, you can purchase our unique personalized 15-ounce high school mugs for only twenty dollars at our events.
East Side features a blue and white design, showcasing the school mascot on one side and the 50th reunion logo on the opposite side. Similarly, Lincoln is adorned in orange and white, with its school mascot displayed on one side and the 50th reunion logo featured on the other.

ACKNOWLDGEMENTS

Join us for our Fithieth-Year Reunion as we celebrate our golden years. We can’t wait to reconnect with each of you and commemorate this special milestone. Get ready for a reunion that will leave you reminiscing for years.

Keep living your life like it's golden because that's precisely what it is!

by Jill Scott | CLICK BELOW

Fiftieth Reunion Planning Committee Members: Don Thomas – Chairperson, Venues / Erica Brown Gayles – Co-Chairperson, Tech, Webpage, Memorial / Rosa Allen – Financial Secretary / Tammarra Walker – Venues, Hotel / Fannie Harrison – Secretary / Esther Fuller – Decorations, Lincoln Liason / Gail Hudson-Hankins – Fundraiser, Media, Admin / Sylvester Manuel – Memorial / Roderick Willis – Mtg Organizer / Greg Hudson – Reunion Promoter/ Jackie Jones – Financial Asst., Admin./ Gerard Preston – Volunteer / Anthony Young – Volunteer/ Michael Hines – Volunteer / Michael Eric Scott – Volunteer/

 

 

Comments

Please leave all comments or questions here, and we will respond as soon as possible. All comments posted must be approved before they appear on the webpage.

You do not have to fill out the request for the website.

 

15 Comments

  1. Dorris Rencher

    Thank you Erica for all of your quick responses to my questions. Thanks to all who put their time and energy into this 50th Class Reunion. The website is amazing; loved seeing friends from yesteryear. I will enjoy seeing 1975 classmates of today. All..Be well and Stay safe.

    Reply
  2. Michael Eric Scott

    Hello Erica,
    The superb work you put in this communication is more than just excellent, it is the storyline to keep our class connected. You and the team of others that is making all this possible, I applaud you and thank GOD for touching you all!

    Reply
    • Ebgayles

      Hi Michael, I appreciate your feedback. This webpage was created to tell our story through photos, videos, and text. I encourage other classmates to share their pictures and comments. I will post some of the 50th Reunion photos on the page. One of my favorite scriptures is “Be still and know that I am God.” I waited, and the Holy Spirit guided me in designing this webpage. Our class of 75 webpage will stay up until..

      Thank you! 🧡💙

  3. Cleveland Crosby

    Hello Erica! This was wonderfully made; Got to see people I have not seen since Eastside; I am going to do my best to see these Classmates, Christ Bless Us All. Amen.

    Take Care Keep the Faith Erica

    Reply
    • Erica

      Hey Cleveland, it was so nice to talk with you and catch up on each other lives. I am happy to know that you enjoyed engaging on the class web page and viewing the photos brought back warm memories that we all have shared. I pray that you are able to come next year. May God continue to bless you with good health and happiness!

      Much love,
      Erica!

  4. Gizelle Kirkwood

    Erica,
    You did an awesome job on the website. I love it and it represents who we are as the Class of 1975.

    Love ya, Sis!
    Gizelle

    Reply
    • Ebgayles

      Love you back! ❤️

  5. John Yakubovich

    Hi Erica, you did a great job with this site, it looks fantastic!!!

    Reply
  6. John Yakubovich

    Hi… I am trying to add pictures to the site (which really looks great!!) but it wants me to sign in to Google Drive, I don’t have a log in. Do I need to sign up for one?

    John Yakubovich

    Reply
    • Ebgayles

      Hi John, I didn’t realize that a gmail email account was needed to utilize google drive. I have created a link for Dropbox for all class members that have other email addresses. Please use the Dropbox links to upload your photos. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

      EBG

  7. Esther Fuller

    Thanks Erica for such an Awesome & Fantastic website❤️
    It’s The Golden Time Of Reunions🎉

    Reply
    • Ebgayles

      You are welcomed my friend!❤️

  8. Erica Y Brown Gayles

    I’m so excited about reconnecting with new and old classmates. We encourage your engagement and your participation on our web page. Please be sure to use the links to upload your photos, and don’t forget to leave a comment or reply and connect with other classmates.

    Ps. You do not have to complete the website section to leave a comment.

    Much love, Erica

    💙🧡🖤

    Reply
  9. Vera Nicholson

    I’m excited to celebrate our Golden Anniversary Reunion. I look forward to reconnecting with everyone from East Side Class of ’75.

    Eagerly awaiting the date,
    Vera Z. Nicholson

    Reply
    • Ebgayles

      Hey Vera,
      We have updated all the information and we are committed to keeping everyone abreast of class events and current events. I too looking forward to connecting with everyone. Hopefully I’ll see you before the reunion.
      Much love,
      Erica❤️

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *