1928 - 1970

• · Continuing to contact as many Pirates from the classes of 1936 through 1970 and their families  
• · Making sure that Pirates and Friends are aware of events, projects, and activities of interest to the greater community of Kinston and beyond. 
• · Including all interested Pirates and Friends in the development and execution of our on-going projects and activities.
• · Notification concerning our Grand School Reunions 

As this signal to action was announced through the intercom system at Kinston’s Adkin High School (AHS), all 700 members of the school’s student body walked out of their classrooms and into the streets.  

Students at AHS were inspired to walkout during a discussion in their social studies class concerning the importance of quality educational facilities. The school’s facilities, particularly the gymnasium, needed to be modernized. The students formed an ad hoc committee that would bring their concerns to the Kinston Graded School Board (KGSB). Anticipating a negative response, they planned a walkout and march if the KGSB rejected their request for improved facilities.  

The committee met with KGSB on November 19, 1951. The Board listened to the committee’s concerns but claimed that the school board’s budget could not cover the facilities improvements. Following the meeting, the signal was given and the student body, holding placards and signs, marched the streets of Kinston until they reached the old Carver Theater on Washington Street. The walkout was organized without the knowledge of their parents, teachers, or the school’s administration to protect them from repercussions.   

Following the walkout, the KGSB relented and provided funds to build new and improved facilities at Adkin High School, which were completed in the Fall of 1953. In 1994, the former gymnasium complex was remodeled and established as the Charles B. Stewart Alumni Center by the Adkin High School Alumni and Friends, Inc.

by Eleanor Darden Stewart and others

We join Pirate Hattie Gray Strayhorn, class of 51, whose grandson, Myles Frost, is the winner of a Tony Awardfor his magnificent performance in “MJ-the Musical  on Broadway. Myles is a wonderful young man who is loved by his family and college mates at Bowie State University. He was discovered on You Tube singing and playing some of his original music. He is still performing as Michael Jackson. His dancing is just phenomenal. We know you are proud, Hattie, we are, too.

Sam Dove, class of 59, recently celebrated 80 years of life with family and friends. Congratulations, Sam.

If you have information on any Pirate who has not participated in alumni activities, please contact Eleanor Stewart (dcboyschoir@hotmail.com). 

Building Maintenance (Rehabilitation and Restoration)

Our current special project is the rehabilitation and restoration of our building, known as The C.B. Stewart Alumni Center. We are commencing our efforts by communicating with all alumni. This is a project that will require input from every student that walked the halls of Adkin High School and friends of Adkin. There is no one fix because this project will be on going for many months to come. We will need substantial funds and funding for this project, and we are open to all your ideas. Don’t hesitate to contact any member of the Ways and Means Committee if you have information that might benefit our efforts in this regard. We look to hear from you.