Southside Elementary hosts former faculty teachers, principals and alumni for celebratory luncheon.
By
Amanda Morales
| 2:19 p.m. January 11, 2016
Sarasota
Neighbors
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Southside Elementary School alumnus T.J. Nutter ran into a familiar face when he attended the school’s 90th birthday party Monday afternoon.
His kindergarten teacher Cynthia Titus welcomed him with a hug and brought a surprise for him. She presented Nutter with his 1981 kindergarten yearbook to show to his children, one of which currently attends the school.
“I remember her as being the most patient person,” Nutter said. “There’s no question that I tested that regularly. This is such a great place and I have such fond memories of going to school here. I’m glad they can have the same.”
Titus attended Southside as a student in 1945 and returned to teach from 1974 to 2000 when she retired. Titus alongside the planning committee of mother Margaret Barnes, daughter Margaret Barnes and Cheryl Tooker coordinated the event that was catered by Morton’s Gourmet Market.
Guests gathered in the courtyard of the school where students treated them to performances. One performance was a dance through the ages where students recreated favorite dance moves through the decades starting with the 1920s.
The event concluded with the singing of “Happy Birthday” and slices of cake that was concocted especially for the occasion. A red, white and blue velvet cake represented the school’s color and Principal Dragon’s favorite flavor of cake.
Former classmates Gaden Thomas, Pam Wyatt and Ann Darling catch up over old photos.
Students dressed as flappers dance to music from the 1920s.
Students dressed in poodle skirts and leather jackets perform to the Elvis hit "Hound Dog."
Students brought back the 1980s with a dance to MC Hammer's "Can't Touch This."
Fifth grade student Ava O'Hara read her essay about why she loves Southside Elementary.
Southside Elementary School Principal Steven Dragon welcomes guests to the 90th birthday party with a song.
A red, white and blue velvet cake was the dessert for the luncheon.
The Southside Jazz Ensemble led by teacher Sergei Glushonkov provided music for the event.
Students dressed as flappers dance to music from the 1920s.
Students dressed in poodle skirts and leather jackets perform to the Elvis hit "Hound Dog."
Students dressed in their best 1970s outfits dance to "Disco Inferno."
A glance at the pages of the 1981 year book that Cynthia Titus gave to her former student T.J. Nutter.
Fifth- and fourth-grade students illustrated the exterior of the school. This version was done by Lotus Bolan.
Fifth- and fourth-grade students illustrated the exterior of the school. This one was done by Reece Cogswell.
Local boxer China Smith is reunited with former teacher Cynthia Titus.
Former teacher Cynthia Titus with 1981 student T.J. Nutter.
Former Southside Elementary Principal Dorothye Smith keeps in touch with former student China Smith.
Former Southside Elementary Principal Dorothye Smith and current Vice Principal Susan Nations catch up.
Margaret Barnes, Margaret Barnes, Steven Dragon, Cheryl Tooker, Susan Nations and Cynthia Titus
Former principals Sharon Marks, Dorothye Smith and current principal Steven Dragon.
