South Eastern Karate's
25th Anniversary Celebration

Thank you
for helping us celebrate
25 years of South Eastern Karate

To all of our guests and friends, thank you for helping us celebrate the 25th anniversary of South Eastern Karate and the significant influence Master Instructor Peggy Jolly has had on her students.
    We are sincerely honored by your participation in events this spring and thankful that so many could join us for the Open House and Reunion gatherings on May 5.
    If you were not aware of the anniversary celebration before it took place, here's what you missed ....

:: 25th Anniversary Reunion
    The anniversary reunion, an informal evening of fellowship, was held Saturday, May 5, at the Siler City school and was open to invited special guests, adult black belts, actively-training junior black belts and actively-training adult students.
    Several presentations were made during a ceremony marking the occasion, and a few exhibits were on display. They included a video honoring Master Peggy Jolly; "Saving Master Jolly," a tribute by junior students; and a large collection of memorabilia and photographs from the history of South Eastern Karate.
    We particularly thank our special guests at the head table that night: Mr. Gary Ward, Mr. Clarence Ilderton, Mr. Jeff Horton, Mr. Mark Ellington, Mr. Jim Johnson and Mr. John Blust.

:: 25th Anniversary Open House
    An afternoon open house also was held on Saturday, May 5, for our junior students, adult students and the entire community.
    Participating in the festivities were Mr. Kirby Pate, 2nd Dan Junior, as master of ceremonies; Ms. Rachel Spoon, red belt, who provided a funny and entertaining form set to music; and many current and former junior students who answered "Questions from a Hat."
    Mr. Gary Blankenship, who received his black belt from South Eastern Karate, dazzled guests with his magic.
    The featured exhibit was "Saving Master Jolly," a tribute by junior students from all four schools, who answered the question, "If you saw someone hurting Master Jolly, what would you do?" Also on display were a video honoring Master Peggy Jolly and a collection of photographs from the history of South Eastern Karate.

:: 25th Anniversary Work Days
    Roughly 30 people participated in Work Days, March 17 and 18, to perform a few projects at the flagship school in Siler City. The effort was an expression of our appreciation to Master Peggy Jolly for her dedicated service to students and the entire community.
    Over the two days, the do chang was completely cleaned; some new mirrors were installed and cleaned; all interior windows were scraped, cleaned and repainted; outside windows were cleaned; two light fixtures were replaced; belts on the wall were replaced; flags were moved to their original locations; poles were repadded; bathroom hardware was updated; and the ceiling was painted.
    Thanks to everyone who spent the weekend working with us — and to Ms. Nancy Hicks, who provided breakfast and lunch for the entire group on Saturday!

:: 25th Anniversary T-Shirts
    Orders for our special 25th anniversary T-shirts were distributed at the belt tests in Siler City on March 10 and at schools during the following week. All money raised from T-shirt sales was used on anniversary projects — most on catering and supplies for the Open House and Reunion.

:: 25th Anniversary Brochure & Web Redesign
    The school brochure and Web site were redesigned late last year to prepare for the anniversary celebration. (Thanks to Mr. Jeremy Orchard, who handled the photography.) Printed brochures may be obtained through the schools.