By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
Have you ever seen a family reunion so big it fills a city park with thousands of people? That’s exactly what happens every year at the Scott High School Alumni Weekend. And behind it all is a man named John Glover, a proud Bulldog who’s been helping to organize this celebration for the past 15 years.
But this isn’t just a party—it’s a homecoming, a giveback, and a giant family hug rolled into one.
From One Class to a Community
It all started with a simple class picnic.
“The Class of 1986 used to do their own thing,” Glover shared. “Then my class—Class of ’89—planned our 10-year reunion, and it just grew from there.” He and business partner, Tyrone Cleveland, added Friday and Saturday events to go along with the Sunday picnic. What began as a one-class event turned into a celebration for all decades of Scott High graduates.
But when their dear friend Coco, who helped plan the early reunions, lost her life unexpectedly, John and Tyrone weren’t sure if they could keep going. That changed when people started coming from all over the country just for the weekend.
“It became bigger than us,” Glover said. “When folks say they haven’t been back to Toledo since high school—but they come for this—it means something.”
The Scott Bulldog Spirit
So what makes Scott High School so special?
Glover’s eyes lit up as he remembered his high school days. “Those were some of the best years of my life,” he said. “No bills, just school, friends and fun.”
Back then, Scott was the only predominantly Black high school in the city, and that meant something powerful.
“There was this feeling—like it was us against the world,” Glover said. “When the media ignored the good and only reported the bad, we stuck together even tighter.”
That tight bond still shows up today. And it’s not just about current friendships—Scott’s pride runs deep. For Glover’s family, it goes back generations.
“My mom is 93 years old,” he shared. “Out of nine siblings, eight of us went to Scott. And that’s not even counting all the nieces, nephews and cousins.”
A Weekend With Heart
The Scott Alumni Weekend isn’t just a one-day cookout—it’s a full-blown celebration, organized by decade.
“If you graduated in the 50s or 60s, your meet-up spot is the Blue Gill Fishing Club,” Glover explained. “The 70s are at Golden Rule, and the 80s and 90s are at what used to be the Lighthouse. We try to give every generation their space to reconnect.”
There’s also brunch, bingo, and the Black Affair—a Saturday night event where everyone dresses in black and raises money for Scott seniors headed to college. But Sunday’s picnic at Detwiler Park is the crown jewel.
“We started at Ottawa Park,” Glover said, “but it got so big we couldn’t go back. We had to move to bigger spots like the GM Powertrain Park—and now Detwiler.”
Imagine thousands of people bringing grills, games, music, and memories to one giant field. “It’s like one huge cookout where everybody’s your cousin,” he joked.
Teachers Who Taught More Than Books
When Glover talks about what made Scott so meaningful, it’s not just the parties or the pride—it’s the people.
“We had teachers who really cared,” he said. “They lived in our neighborhoods. They’d invite us over, talk to us after school, check on us.”
One teacher, Mr. Roy Allen, even paid John $75 every two weeks to mow his lawn. “He was a mentor and a father figure. Told me to grab a snack if I got thirsty. That kind of trust? You don’t forget it.”
That feeling of family—that people at Scott truly looked out for one another—is what Glover says shaped who he is today.
Giving Back, Year After Year
John and Tyrone don’t just throw a reunion—they give back all year long.
From raising scholarship money to giving away 300 turkeys at Thanksgiving, their commitment goes far beyond the weekend. “We help feed kids in schools, donate Christmas gifts, and support places like the Mom’s House,” Glover explained.
And it’s not about getting credit—it’s just who they are. “Somebody helped me once,” he said. “Now it’s my turn.”
Glover is also passionate about supporting Black-owned businesses. “It’s very important to me,” he said. “Whenever we can use a Black-owned venue or vendor, we do. It’s a chance for them to connect with new customers.”
That support even extends to practical needs—like making sure people with disabilities have proper restrooms at the picnic. “We always make sure everyone feels welcome,” Glover said.
Weathering the Curveballs
Of course, pulling off something this big isn’t easy.
“Every year, it feels like we get hit with a curveball two weeks before the event,” Glover said with a laugh. “Something always goes wrong. But we get it done.”
And despite the challenges, one thing never changes: the vibe.
“In all these years, with all those people, we’ve never had an incident at the picnic,” he said. “Not one.”
That’s the power of love, community, and good old-fashioned Bulldog pride.
A Legacy That Lives On
For John Glover, the Scott High School Alumni Weekend isn’t just a reunion—it’s a reminder.
A reminder that schools can be more than buildings. They can be villages. They can be home. And when that home raises you right, you come back—not just to visit, but to lift others up too.
“If we’re able to do it, we do it,” Glover said. “And that’s just how it’s always going to be.”