HAMLET — Strolling back down memory lane, in the Hamlet High School graduating class of 1971, Lauretta Hasty Holloway, Reverend Donna Patrice Covington Green and Daphne Magee-Hunter were a part of that group. They all went on to further their education on August 21, 1971, by enrolling at North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC.
Fifty years later, on October 23, 2025, as members of the class of 1975, they were inducted into the NCCU Society of Golden Eagles. This prestigious honor and Induction Ceremony marked their 50 Class Reunion. They, along with classmates returning from near and far, spent a four day weekend reuniting with classmates, attending luncheons, dinners and dances along with tailgating, a football game and more. But most of all, they served on their class reunion planning committee for over 40 years. They were always committed to giving back and along with their classmates presented the university with a Financial Class Gift of over a half million$ to be earmarked as scholarship funds to help deserving students support their educational endeavors.
Other remarkable and noteworthy achievements over this 50 years span include degrees earned by: (Lauretta)-B.S. Elementary Education, MS. Communication Disorders and MS. Educational Leadership, (Donna Patrice)-B.A. Political Science and Pre Law and MS. Public Administration, Budgeting and Finance, and (Daphne)-B.A. American/African American History and MS. Spec Educ (Learning and Behavioral Disabilities).
Their commitment to volunteering and giving back to the university and their respective communities has continued over the years through membership and participation in various activities, organizations and programs including Youth and College Age Mentorships and Tutorial Programs, Voter Education and Registration, Real Estate Owner/ Broker and Home Ownership Education Programs, Community Food Banks, The National Council of Negro Women, Divine 9 Membership Programs with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., NCCU Motivational Task Force, NCCU Eagle Club, NCCU Alumni Relations, Pinning of Incoming Freshmen, Public and Charter School Educators and Administrators, Community College Educators and more.
The journey of the “Golden Eagle Girls” is a powerful testament to lifelong sisterhood, academic excellence, service and unwavering commitment to North Carolina Central University and the communities they serve. Their collective achievements, leadership, and generosity over five decades exemplify the true spirit of NCCU’s motto, “Truth and Service”. As proud Golden Eagles, their legacy continues to inspire current and future generations to lead with purpose, give back with intention, and soar with excellence.