On June 7, 2008, FLHS Chorus Alumni from the Classes of 1961 thru 1968 gathered at Tropical Acres in Ft. 
Lauderdale to pay tribute and honor our former choral director, Ron Davis. As those who attended can testify, the luncheon was a huge success. Ron was taken totally by surprise and was absolutely overwhelmed! We really put one over on him!! Over 130 chorus alumni, Assistant Choral Director Karen Armel (1963-64) and a few of Ron & Dee’s friends gathered that day for a wonderful celebration of Ron’s career at Ft. Lauderdale High. Chorus Alumni traveled from all over Florida, from Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Nevada, California and even Washington State to be at the luncheon. Ron was that important to them. He showed us the power of music. And what he taught also translated into life lessons....poise, confidence, teamwork, self-discipline, how to listen to our voices and how to listen to the voices of others. As the years have gone by, each one of Mr. Davis's students have carried those lessons with us, in our personal and professional lives. His belief in us transformed our lives back then and his legacy lives on in us.
We all had a great time and missed those of you who were unable to attend. Special thanks to everyone who sent in chorus memorabilia, a chorus memory and/or message for Ron and/or a donation towards printing, postage, decorations, etc. and towards the gifts we gave him. One of the gifts was “Musical Memories” – a custom made scrapbook of over 100 pages filled with all manner of items from our chorus years at FLHS – pictures, music programs, programs from The King & I, Carousel and Camelot, newspaper articles, souveniers and pictures from the World’s Fair trip, first pages of sheet music that we sang and, of course, the various messages and memories from Alumni. The scrapbook took months to make and moved Ron beyond belief when he had a chance to go through it afterwards. He was also thrilled with the specially inscribed crystal pillar that 
we presented him, which represented the ideals of strength, support, stability and leadership which he showed us.
For those of you who weren’t there, Leslie (Clark) Fields came up with the idea of adapting Bob Hope’s theme song “Thanks for the Memories” for the event. She and I made up lyrics using various chorus memories throughout the years and asked 1 or 2 alumni from each of the years to sing a verse. They gathered at 9:30 that morning to rehearse for the first time. Everyone in the room joined in for the last verse. The lyrics are also posted on this web-site for you to enjoy. I'm sure some of them will bring back memories.
My Committee, Becky (Creel) Merriman, Leslie (Clark) Fields and Jackie (Connolly) Hill and I hope you enjoy the pictures of the event on this web-site. Special thanks to Sharon (Edwards) Morgan for designing and hosting this wonderful web-site for the Class of '64.
P.S. There is a 2.5 hr. DVD available of the event. My husband, Jerry, took the video footage that day for the DVD so it’s not professionally done, but came out pretty well and includes the pre-event set-up, rehearsal and arrival of alumni. On front of the DVD is a picture of Ron from the luncheon and one from the 1960’s. I can order additional copies if anyone is interested. They cost $11.00, which includes the bubble envelope and postage. Just send me a check if you want one. Am not pushing this at all....just offering as a service
HOME
