Black History Program 1998
North Central High School's Black History Program began promptly at 1 P.M. in the school auditorium on Feb. 20, 1998. The program was coordinated by Mr. Paul Benson and presented by his African American Studies Class. Special guests, who had been treated to dinner in the cafeteria, were seated on the right and honor students were seated on the left.
Rev. Dale Fontenot began the program with a prayer and the NCHS band played both the American and African American national anthems. Students did introductions and presented literary and musical selections. Guest speaker, Johnny G. Anderson, Special Assistant to the Louisiana Attorney General, spoke about his successes as well as the successes of other African Americans. He stressed the importance of getting an education and becoming a success and being aware of the sacrifices of those African Americans who had paved the way for young people of today.
The program continued with more literary and musical selections. Then School Board President Charles Ross addressed the students. He said that North Central had the best behavior of the three assemblies he had attended, and he had them stand up and applaud themselves. Mr. Ross continued enthusiastically praising our students and our school. Principal Raymond Duplechain followed with his own comments and praise regarding students' polite and respectful behavior during the hour long program.
After his comments Principal Duplechain announced that he had prizes of five and ten dollars to be given away to honor roll students who had been given a ticket before the program had begun. Mr. Ross, in his best game show host style, called out the winning numbers, and Mr. Duplechain handed out the envelopes containing the money to the excited students. Everyone cheered and applauded the winners. After more comments by Principal Duplechain, students were dismissed for the day. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making this an excellent and enjoyable Black History Program.