Wilson alumni present $50,000 donation

A rainy Monday morning turned out to be a very bright day for Wilson High School students, faculty and staff. On their behalf, Dr. Eric Robinson, Principal of Wilson High, accepted $50,000 donated by the Wilson High School Alumni Association on Jan. 30.

“I am ecstatic about the donation from the Wilson High School Alumni Association,” said Robinson. “It is the largest donation received from the group since I have been principal. “

Robinson, who has served as principal of Wilson High School for the past 12 years, has annually accepted a gift from each alumni association president. Last year Wilson High received a gift amount of $10,000 from the WHSAA.

NAME: Robbie Jordan upcoming school year.

HOME: Florence.

OCCUPATION: Sophomore at Francis Marion University.

SPORTS: He is a pitcher on the Patriots baseball team. He led he team in wins as a freshman.

FAVORITE FOOD: Spaghetti and meatballs.

“Our students have had so much success with Project Search with one site,” Denny said. “When Raldex agreed to join us as a second partner site, we were thrilled. This will open up even more opportunities for our students to learn the valuable skills they will need for employment in the future as well as increase the number of students we can accept for the program.”

Chad Patterson, vice president

See RALDEX, Page 2

“As always, we use the donations to help students of Wilson High School obtain resources they may need to be successful in and out of the classroom,” added Robinson.

Mark Bailey, president of the WHSAA said, “The WHSAA raises money through various events throughout the year with the Wilson High homecoming festivities serving as the largest fundraiser. In addition, personal donations are provided by alumni members and alumni

See WILSON, Page 2

Black History Month

Jazz musician Houston Person

To celebrate, Black History Month The News Journal is recognizing noteworthy African Americans with ties to Florence and the Pee Dee Region.

Rich in soul and harmony, the Pee Dee has produced many talented artists, not the least of which is Houston Person.

Born on Nov. 10, 1934, into a music loving family, Person fondly remembers his parents playing jazz music on warm Florence nights.

After completing high school, Person went on to graduate from South Carolina State College. Not willing to forget their storied graduate, in 1999 the college inducted Person into its Hall of Fame.

An accomplished piano player, at 17 he turned his sights to learn- ing the tenor saxophone. After this instrumental turning point, Person found himself a member of a U.S. Air Force Service Band stationed in West Germany. A few of his band mates were none other than Jazz pioneers Eddie Harris, Laney Morgan, Cedar Walton and Leo Wright. From the Air Force, Person enrolled at Hartt College of Music in Hartford, Conn. to continue his education.

Person began finding notoriety in the 1960’s under the Prestige Records recording label. Success came with his debut album as a bandleader with Underground Soul for Prestige Records in 1966. The album featured organist Charles Boston.

With the triumph of his debut album, this brightly burning star went on to produce more than 75 albums during his long career. He has been associated with several recording labels throughout the years - Prestige, Mercury, Muse, and HighNote just to name a few. Person is best known for his musical collaborations with famed vocalist and Aiken native Etta Jones. Their musical

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