About Us

THE LEGACY CONTINUES

Our Story

Honoring The Past Shaping The Future

What began as a simple reunion planning meeting in February 2023 quickly evolved into a powerful commitment to the community. Twelve members of the Lincoln Memorial High School Class of 1968, led by Class President Brenda Thompson, recognized an opportunity to extend our legacy beyond a single event.

With that goal in mind, we founded a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community, with a special focus on inspiring and empowering students at Lincoln Memorial Middle School to accomplish their goals. This initiative not only helps prepare students for success but also honors the enduring values of academic excellence, strong character, and community spirit that defined our alma mater.

Present at the meeting were the founding members: Loudell Adams, Amanda Carnes, Phyllis Cooper, the late Merrissere Dunlap, Ruby Fobbs, Barbara Little, Freddie McSears, Jo Ann Perry, David Pollock, Joyce Randall, Walter Thomas, and Brenda Thompson.

“Just because there is no longer the building that was Lincoln Memorial High School doesn’t mean there is no more Lincoln. As long as there is someone alive who attended Lincoln or graduated from there, the school’s spirit lives on.” ~ Mr. Robert Brown

Our Commitment

Our Mission

To equip individuals with the tools to lead vibrant, healthy, and stable lives, and to create meaningful change within our community.

Our Vision

To support Lincoln Memorial Middle School in empowering students with the skills and resources needed to thrive in middle school and beyond, while building strong connections among alumni, parents, educators, and community supporters.

Our Ultimate Goal

To mentor and guide students toward holistic success—academically, socially, physically, and mentally.

Meet Our Leadership

The Executive Committee is a dedicated group of leaders united by a shared passion and committed to empowering young people and preserving the legacy of Lincoln Memorial High School.

With a diverse range of knowledge, skills, and experiences, the team provides strategic leadership, oversees daily operations, and drives the mission forward.

All Current Campaigns

THE OFFICERS

PEGGY HOGAN

President, Lakeland, FL

As the Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at a nonprofit educational institution, Peggy led outreach efforts for college and university students. She collaborated with various personnel to facilitate enrollments and created financial aid packages for students and their parents that were crucial to her career success.

WALTER THOMAS, ESQ.

Vice President, Washington, DC

A retired Associate General Counsel with the Department of Defense, Walter has over 38 years of experience in Employment Law, Government Contracts, Administrative Law, Ethics, and Fraud. He led a legal office and served as Special Counsel for Contract Integrity. Walter also provided legal services to indigent clients at Community Legal Services.

JO ANN PERRY

Secretary, Dallas, TX

A seasoned non-profit executive with a background in education, Jo Ann brings invaluable leadership and strategic vision. She served over 35 years with the American Heart Association, retiring as Associate Vice President of Scientific Councils. Jo Ann mentored young girls through Big Sisters of America, and most recently taught English and keyboarding to at-risk students.

BRENDA THOMPSON

Treasurer, Sarasota, FL

Brenda has dedicated her career to early childhood education since March 1996. Beginning as a para-professional and becoming a member of the NAEYC. She earned her AA in Early Childhood Education from the State College of Florida (formerly Manatee Junior College in 2012. Subsequently, she obtained her BA in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Florida. Brenda provides expert instruction and pedagogical leadership for children from birth to age eight.

The Executive Team

Freddie McSears Lois Shaffers, Bradenton, FL

Events Chairman, Clinton MD David Pollock, Atlanta, GA

Your Donations Make a HUGE Impact

Donate Now

Every donation to LMHS Class of 1968, Inc. fuels transformative programs that empower Lincoln Memorial Middle School students on their journey to success. Through mentorship, academic support, and life-skills training, we equip young leaders with the tools they need to thrive.

Your generosity not only shapes futures but also strengthens our community—one student at a time. Join us in building a legacy of leadership and opportunity!

The Story of Lincoln Memorial High School

A Legacy of Excellence and Pride

Lincoln Memorial High School was the cornerstone of education and pride for Manatee County’s African American community. Founded in 1930 as Lincoln Academy, it merged with Memorial High School in 1949, becoming Lincoln Memorial High School in Palmetto—chosen for its larger African American student population and lower transportation costs to bus students. The school adopted the Trojan as its mascot, representing strength and resilience—qualities that were nurtured in its students.

Under the leadership of Principal Carlos E. Haile from 1949 to 1963, Lincoln Memorial thrived, focusing on academic success, discipline, and personal development. Subsequent principals, James Gant, James Tillman, and Joseph Bivens, continued to build on this foundation. The number of graduates grew over the years, from W.G. Frazier, the first and only graduate from Lincoln Academy in 1931, to over 130 in later years, including notable alumni like Mrs. Louise Johnson, the first African American member of the Manatee County School Board, and Henry Lawrence a star player for the Oakland Raiders Football team, earning 3 Super Bowl Rings, and recipient the Alpha Phi Alpha Jesse Owens Achievement Award.

For twenty years, Lincoln Memorial High School, recognized for its excellence by the Association of Colleges and Schools, served as a beacon of achievement in academics, music, sports, and a variety of extracurricular activities in the drama, Spanish, science, and other student clubs. Many of Lincoln’s graduates, educated at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), returned to make significant contributions to the community as teachers, public servants, and athletes.

The school closed in 1969 due to desegregation and became Lincoln Memorial Middle School. Although its students were dispersed to different schools, the spirit and heritage of Lincoln Memorial High School continue to inspire and influence generations.

A timeline of key events further illustrates this rich history:

1949: Bradenton Lincoln Academy merged with Palmetto Memorial High School, was renamed Lincoln Memorial High School; and the Trojan was selected as the mascot.

1969: The final graduating class received their diplomas. Lincoln Memorial High School becomes Lincoln Middle School to accommodate desegregation.
1999: Demolition of the gym and other parts of the original structure; beginning of new construction on the site.

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