Christopher C Townsend Sr:  

I attended Terry Parker as a class member of the 1975-78 school term. as a sophmore I joined the choir with many of my classmates, I performed with the Concert Choir many times. In December of 1976 we were among the fortunate few choirs who brought together a 500 highschool voice choir to sing with the Jax Symphony Orchestra doing the Mesiah. Somewhere along the years, I joined one of the many clubs at Parker (Alpha Omega) and kinda strayed from the way I was planning my education. I am proud of my years at Parker but not so proud of my life afterward. I married in the summer of 1977 and joined the army before completing my sr year. I did obtain my Diploma and went to college for a few years, but never graduated. I am now the father of 6 wonderful children, 3 boys and 3 girls, my youngest just started highschool as a freshman, and is in both the concert and marching band where she is a fourth year Clarinette player. I have visited Jacksonville from time to time, due to the fact that my parents still live in Arlington along with my many neices and nephews. I have several grandchildren. With my new wife, I have five granddaughters along with my oldest daughters 2 daughters, and my middle son's child I have a grandson. I have many who have adopted me as dad, and they too have children now. and here I sit, going on 50 and have 12 grandchildren that I can claim. Many of my classmates remember the trouble I caused near the summer of 78 upon my return to jacksonville. I know this is not the place but the time is upon me for reconciliation. After splitting up with my high school sweetheart and after the birth of our daughter in 77, leaving the armed forces,I somehow found only time for work and drinking. I am now a reformed alchoholic of 25 yrs sobriety. I enjoy everyday I am able to breath. I thank the Lord above for each and every day he gives me to spend with my children. The summer of 78 was one of the worst moments in my life, I was a drunken teen with no where to go, and nothing to do, I paid my debts to society, and only hope my classmates can forgive me for what I did. I will not mention it in this story, but know this, of all the things i ever did in my life, the one thing I would change if I could have the chance to, would be, never leaving school, remaining with my friends and classmates and graduating. The people I grew up with and the ones I spent most of my life around. Since elementary school, Guys like Abe Rodrigez, neil harrelson, Frank akel etc. And the girls, Wow, the list is long. If that Jill in the reunion photos is the same one I remember from school all those years. she hasnt changed a bit. wtg class of 78 and carry on with the tradition. Any one wishing to contact me, feel free to do so. My email is cnktown4 on aol, and I enjoy going to jacksonville when i can to visit with my famil...Expand for more