In 2010, the Carver Class of '65 established a partnership with Wiley College of Marshall, TX.  The purpose of this collaboration – to support George Washington Carver High School’s educational and athletic programs and to help as many graduating seniors at the school as possible.  Although the Carver High School we know and love was closed at the end of the 2016 school year, we are continuing our efforts with the new George Washington Carver College and Career Academy and its principal Dr. James Suggs.

 

Our affiliation with Wiley College created two major programs.

 

The first, and probably the most important – the scholarship program.  Wiley College, facilitated by the Class of ‘65, awards eligible graduating seniors with a full 4-year scholarships.  These scholarships cover tuition, room and board.  Since implementation of the program, 19 former students from Carver have attended or are attending the east Texas institute.  The total value of awarded scholarships to date is $1,428,000.

 

The second program, intended to recruit as many students from Memphis as possible, is a benefit concert and fundraising event featuring the A Cappella Choir of Wiley College (ACWC) and hosted by a church or facility located in the Carver community.  The concert is part of the choir’s fall tour and is regarded as a recruiting trip.

 

The 2011 spring concert was at Christ Missionary Baptist Church where Dr. Gina Stewart is pastor.  The second performance, in the fall of 2011, was held at Martin Memorial Temple CME Church where Reverend Willie B. Boyd, Jr. leads the worshippers.  Since that time, we have found a home at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  Pastor Eric L. Winston presides there over a very enthusiastic and spirited congregation.

 

Although admission is free to the performance, an appeal for contributions and donations, to help fund the programs our organization sponsors and supports, is requested at that time. 

 

The public is always invited to attend. The musical repertoire features a diverse program highlighting European composers, traditional Negro spirituals and contemporary gospel.  We promote the concert to all alumni, students, faculty, family and friends, and to other high schools in the metropolitan area.  Recently, the program also has included the Renaissance Dance Ensemble of Wiley College and the Young Actors Guild Dance and Theater Academy of Memphis and Southaven.

 

During program intermission, special guests are recognized, and individuals and groups are acknowledged for their achievements and successes.  Former honorees, special guests and sponsors have included:

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Mrs. Charlotte Polk - Teacher

Mrs. Hattie Irving - Teacher

Mrs. Vivian C. Whatley - Teacher

Mr. William Woodruff - Football Coach

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Carver Class of '61

Carver Class of '62

Carver Class of '63

Carver Class of '64

Carver Class of '65

Carver Class of '66

Carver Class of '67

Carver Class of '68

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HBCU Sororities and Fraternities

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Johnson Bryce, Inc.

Memphis Light, Gas & Water

Valero Memphis Refinery

Bloomfield Full Gospel Baptist Church

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Oak Grove Missionary Church

Shady Grove Missionary Church

White Stone Baptist Church

The Bar-Kays Foundation

Young Actors Guild Dance and Theater Academy

 

David Porter

The Family of the late Al Jackson

The Mad Lads

Lester Snell

The Temprees

Larry Dodson and The Bar-Kays

Stan Bell

Mayor A. C. Wharton, Jr.

Congressman Steve Cohen

 

Our concerts have been covered by the Tri-State Defender and Fox Channel 13.

 

The ACWC also have been featured on the WREG Channel 3 program Live at 9 with Alex Coleman and MaryBeth Conley.