From The City of Asheville:
Posted on May 29, 2024 by Christy Edwards
“Stephens-Lee Alumni Association’s biennial alumni reunions offer a chance to reminisce about days in the “Castle on the Hill” with former schoolmates, but this year’s celebration marks 100 years since the first class graduated from a school that became well known across the southeast for its excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. The final graduation took place in 1965, but the school’s legacy continues as its gym was converted to a community center in the 1970s.
“The alumni association is attempting to reach every alumnus from our beloved Stephens-Lee High School,” according to Sarah Weston Hart, president of the association. “Your attendance will be a memorable experience to celebrate, reminisce, and fellowship with alumni, family, and friends. Please do not miss out on your opportunity to participate in this wonderful celebration.”
The reunion celebration takes place at Stephens-Lee Community Center July 5-7, 2024 and carries the theme, “100 Years and Still Stepping (Let us Never Forget) the ‘Castle on the Hill.’” Highlights include a memorial service and Class Night on Friday; an official alumni meeting, banquet, and dance on Saturday; and cookout on Sunday.
For more information, alumni may direct questions to Stephens-Lee Alumni Association President Sarah Hart at (828) 279-7300 or Alberta Williams at (828) 215-1191, or contact their graduating class president. Stephens-Lee Community Center is located on 30 George Washington Carver Avenue in Asheville.
Stephens-Lee High School opened during the 1922-1923 academic year, but the first graduation took place in 1924. From the moment it opened, the Academic Gothic style building became a center for Black culture, education, and athletics throughout the North Carolina mountains. When one of the only other high schools for Black students in the region burned down, students made a daily four and a half hour trip in an unheated bus from Yancey County to attend the school. With the only remaining Black high school in the area located in Hendersonville, Stephens-Lee attracted students from throughout western North Carolina. More on the former school and current community center’s history can be found in this article.”
schedule of events:
All events except Sunday church services will be held at the Stephens-Lee Community Center, located at 30 George Washington Carver Avenue. The registration fee is $175 per person. If you are planning to bring a guest for Saturday night’s event, the cost will be $25 per guest. Please get your registration fee in as soon as possible if you are planning to participate.
Friday, July 5
Registration at Stephens-Lee Community Center from 10 AM to 3 PM
Alumni Memorial Service and Class Night from 7PM to 11PM
Saturday, July 6
Annual Meeting at 10AM in the Stephens-Lee Community Center Alumni Room
Banquet and Dance from 7PM to 12AM
Sunday, July 7
Attend the church of your choice
Afternoon Alumni Cookout from 1:30PM to 4PM in the Stephens-Lee Community Center Multipurpose Room
See you on the dance floor or at the dinner table!
If you have questions, please contact your Class President or Alumni Association President Sarah Hart at (828) 279-7300.