About

Our History:

Founders and visionaries Coach Elbert Richmond and Coach Robert Dozier approached Gloria Cunningham about their idea and under their leadership Gloria Cunningham, Class of ’74, started the Mackenzie High School Alumni Association. Gloria Cunningham was its first president. The first meeting was held January of 1995, after the plan was presented at her 20 year class reunion in 1994. Cunningham taught English and related subjects at Mackenzie from 199 to 1998, leaving to serve as founder and Director for the DPS’ Office of Alumni Affairs for three years. In 1998, she founded the Mackenzie After ’50 Luncheon, with class of ’48, to provide a yearly celebration for all graduates to attend after their 50th class reunion. Also, the DPS City-Wide Alumni group began, where she serves as founder and president. In 2006, Cunningham founded and published the student writing project publication, “Urban Teen” to teach the career pathways of print media and showcase student successes. Each of the three editions have included the photos and give-back contributions of the Mackenzie alumni group. The fourth addition is underway. She continues to work in radio and television and always promotes the Mackenzie alumni events and contributions. The alumni group, “Friends of Mackenzie,” with members from the 40’s through the 60’s, have contributed to the success of the MHSAA through close contact with Cunningham. Mackenzie educators: Coach Dozier, Coach Richmond, Coach Chatman, and Shirley Hightower were all instrumental in the development of the phenomenal Mackenzie High School Alumni Association.

MHSAA Charter Members: Adrienne Adams ’69, Thomas Bond ’69, Ronald Moore ’69,
Ava Lowe-Thomas, Michael Thomas ’69, Pearlie Elliott-Faulkner ’72, Richard Faulkner ’72, Beverly Tinsley-Stanborough ’72, and Gloria Cunningham ’74

Presidents in Order: Gloria Cunningham ’74, Beverly Tinsley-Stanborough ’72,
Ronald Moore ’69, Adrienne Adams ’69 (longest serving president with 10 plus years of service), Current President, Damion Jackson ’90

Founders: Gloria Cunningham ’74, Coach Robert Dozier, Coach Elbert Richmond

Give Back Contributions to Mackenzie since 1995: Yearly $500 scholarships to selected MHS graduates from 1967 to 2007, Parent Night, Attend DPSL sporting events, All class on-grounds alumni picnic began in 1995- modeled after the Miller alumni picnic, Attended proms and homecomings, Involved staff in events and planning, Held staff appreciations (breakfast, etc.), Attended graduations and promotion, Developed and led the alumni pledge at 8th grade promotions, Supported Alumni Saul Green, Esq. ’65, donation of shirts to the basketball team, Attended the ground breaking for the new Mackenzie, Supported the in-school banquet honoring NFL great Jerome Bettis ’90, School tours, Career Days, Academic games sponsorship, Girls’ mentorship program, Book bags and school supplies, Welcome back to school greeting, 8th grade promotion ceremony featured in”Urban Teen,” Upcoming support to Science teachers’ on-ground farm and “Connecting Food to Positive Community Change” initiative, beginning Fall 2017, to name a few.