McDonogh #35 Alumni Choir Concert honoring Mrs. Veronica Downs-Dorsey

"Tonight we've come to celebrate the legacy of Veronica Downs-Dorsey At McDonogh 35 Senior High School.

She is a 1974 graduate of the esteemed institution of McDonogh #35. I'm sure after graduating she never thought of the impact she would make at the school in the future.

Today you're looking at 25 years of musicianship and faith that was instilled in us day after day in room 112 at 1331 Kelerec St this is a testament to her life and her faith. Im sure she would agree that it's a blessing for her to see this.

We stand here at First Emmauel Baptist Church, 1829 Carondalet St, because year after year we came year for countless smorgasbords and gospel choir concerts to fellowship and praise.

Songs were chosen that recall our days here and at McDonogh #35. These songs not only make us reflect on McDonogh #35 but speak on the lessons we've learned and faith in God that we all share such as "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", "No Man Is an Island" and no man should stand alone, I lift my hands in "Total Praise" to you God or one of another mom's favorites for the many times I've fallen yet you forgave me "Thank You" Lord.

Finally we've come here today to celebrate because May 23, 1956 God saw fit to bless us with the one Veronica Downs-Dorsey and there's no other place she would want to celebrate her birthday besides in God's house.

We're all thankful that you allowed God to use you to make such an impact on countless of lives. We're thankful to see so many faces that over the years have supported Veronica and the McDonogh #35 singing Roneagles. This is the first time in these 25 years we've come together for an actual reunion so tonight is a historic moment that should be honored as such. God brought us all together for a reason. We thank God for your leadership and teaching Ms. Downs and as your daughter, there aren't words to express how grateful I am for all the things you've instilled in me and just being impacted by you. Let us have a glorious time in the Lord tonight honoring the legacy of Veronica Downs-Dorsey and the singing Roneagles." - The Occasion as delivered by Ms. Veronique Lahdell Dorsey (Veronica's daughter)