Generations of former classmates are returning to Tallahassee this weekend as Leon and Amos P. Godby high schools host milestone reunions packed with nostalgia, celebration and giving back.
Both events, scheduled for the June 6 weekend, have sold out and reflect a growing desire among alumni to reconnect with the schools and neighborhoods that shaped them. Organizers say the gatherings will also support current students through fundraising efforts.
The Leon High School Class of 1976 is marking its 50th anniversary with a dinner celebration and a morning walkthrough of the campus.
Jim Kinneer, a reunion organizer and sponsor, said the milestone has sparked reflection and excitement among classmates.
“We were the bicentennial class, and it’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years,” Kinneer said. “It’s great to celebrate this milestone together.” He lives in Tallahassee and works for the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Kinneer recalled fond memories of spending time with friends at a Chinese restaurant, The Dragon Room, across the street from campus, a small but meaningful part of his high school experience.
During the reunion, alumni will collect donations for the Leon High School Foundation, which supports student programs and resources. The Class of 1976 had more than 400 graduates, and organizers expect hundreds to attend the celebration.
“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with classmates I haven’t seen in years,” Kinneer said. “They’re almost like family to us.”
Meanwhile, Godby High School will host a large-scale “mega reunion” bringing together graduates from 1990 through 2015 at the North Florida Fairgrounds. More than 1,000 attendees are expected.
“This brings us back to old times — hanging out in the courtyard and just being together,” said Tiffany Simmons, an alumna based in Tallahassee. “It’s special to reconnect with people we haven’t seen in so long.”
The family-style event will feature games, live music, and food trucks, with attendees invited to bring grills and share cooking duties.
Inspired by a similar multi-class gathering at Havana High School, the Godby reunion launched in 2024 as a way to celebrate the school’s legacy and strengthen alumni ties.
Organizer Dwan Riggins, a 1999 graduate, said the event creates opportunities for connection across generations.
“This is about legacy,” Riggins said. “It gives us a chance to connect, mentor and inspire each other. We have a lot of pride in our school.”
Alaijah Cross covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at abrown@tallahassee.com.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon and Godby alumni return for milestone reunions
Reporting by Alaijah Cross, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alaijah Cross, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
