The first alumni organizational meeting of the Glenwood Barrow County High School Alumni Association (GBCHSA) was held last August at the Winder Library where old friends renewed friendships and new friendships were begun. The old school song, Glenwood High, was sung with the enthusiasm of days gone by, and the school mascot – the tiger – was brushed off. The By-Laws, by which the organization is governed, were put in place and the motto, "Spirit in motion, where tomorrow begins" – was adopted.

Douglas Oliver was the presiding officer for the charter ceremony.

After singing Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Julius Jackson presented the scripture and Wilma Barnes offered the prayer.

Johnnie Ellington then gave the welcome and the occasion. She thanked the Rev. Alfred Hazel and the White Oak Spring Missionary Baptist Church family for hosting the event.

She called it a once in a lifetime occasion for the announcement of the incorporation of the Glenwood Barrow County Alumni Association as a nonprofit organization. She said the attendees of Glenwood are "paying things forward" so it can be carried on by the generations to come. Preserving the heritage is an important part of what the alumni association will strive to do.

"While some said it could not be done, we said, ‘Yes, we can’ and we have."

Educational programs and scholarships will be among the offerings of the association.

"We want to make this the most successful organization since color TV," said Ellington.

My Country ‘Tis of Thee was sung.

The Litany was presented to share what the organization means. In addition to renewing old friendships, the goal is the development of the high schools of today and the leaders of tomorrow.

Preserving the heritage, includes remembering the Tiger and respecting the Bulldoggs of Winder-Barrow and the Wildcats of Apalachee. It involves seeking knowledge and stressing the moral character found in the Bible, God’s holy word. Reflecting on the sporting achievements and bolstering the academic successes are also part of the association’s mission.

Alumni, including Karen Hayes, William Wilborn, Samuel Harris, Mary A. Lay and Lorene Lay, participated in the litany. (See below.)

The school’s alma mater, which was composed by Mary Ford Sims, was also sung (see below).

The incorporation was presented by Winder Attorney Mike Strickland, who was joined at the event by his wife, Mace. Strickland assisted Mrs. Burks with the paperwork process which brings the Glenwood Barrow County High School Alumni Association into being as a 501-c-3 corporation.

Strickland said the happy occasion was a chance to reunite and remember a wonderful life of young educational experiences. "It is a blessing to be brought back together," said Strickland, who noted he took his charge from Mrs. Burks very seriously and was honored to have been asked to be part of the program.

Strickland said the Articles of Incorporation breathed life into this organization.

He also read out the names of the officers including Johnnie Lay Burks, president; Dorothy Johnson, First Vice President; William Wilborn, Second Vice President; Johnnie Ellington, Recording Secretary; Lorene Lay, Financial Secretary; Karen Hayes, Treasurer; Wilma Barnes, Chaplain; Julius Jackson, Sergeant at Arms; and Douglas Oliver, Parliamentarian.

Liz Long presented Still I Rise and Lift Every Voice and Sing was sung.

Roscoe Morrow shared remarks as a Glenwood parent and Mary Ford Sims spoke on behalf of the faculty.

"Many dedicated Barrow County leaders are working hard to achieve the association’s objectives: To preserve our heritage and to promote and develop our future," said Mrs. Burks.

"Not only have our members shown enthusiasm towards our mission and purpose, but the entire community has been supportive of this undertaking since we began in August 2009," said Mrs. Burks.

As the GBCHSA Association moves forward, the organization is extremely close to achieving its federal 501(C) 3 non-profit status.