ST. Augustine High School
"Gratia est Vita"		"Grace is Life"
	A Spectacular Night in Atlanta! The St. Augustine High School Atlanta Alumni Chapter held it's 5th Annual Mardi Gras Ball on Valentine's Night at Atlanta's Kappa Omega Center.  The gala, which is attended by Purple Knights in the Atlanta Chapter and their patrons, attracted over 400 guests for the milestone event.  Guests were treated to a night of elegance and New Orleans style partying.  Tracy Hamlin and the Erik Essix Band performed two 30 minute sets of jazzy, soulful music and renowned DJ Soul closed out the event with some down home music and festivities. The evening opened with a thirty minute M ix and Mingle during which guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres prior to the the main dinner being served.  Outgoing Atlanta Chapter President Lucien Parfaite '81, opened the evening by welcoming guests to the event as they enjoyed the eclectic New Orleans foods prepared by The Decuir Catering Company of Atlanta.  Tracy Hamlin (wife of Nathaniel Landry Jr. '83) then serenaded guest with her soulful sounds. Incoming Chapter President Vernon Martin '69 and Oyd Craddock '76 followed the first thirty minute music set by speaking to the guests and reaffirming the purpose of the event; Purple Knights coming together to fellowship, and host fund raisers for the school that molded us from young boys to men who are leaders in our communities and businesses, and who are strong role models for our families.  Craddock then introduced the Event Sponsors (chapter members who sold tables for the event) and all Purple Knights in attendance were invited up to take pictures and sing a rousing rendition of the Alma Mater.  This was followed by another festive, and jazzy dance grove filled set from Tracy Hamlin. Then came the signature moment of the event, the crowing of the Mardi Gras Ball King and Queen.  This year, Lucien Parfaite and his wife Jocelyn, were bestowed with the honor which is voted upon by the chapter members.  DJ Soul then took over the remainder of the evening that saw a dance floor=2 0filled with second lining, buck jumping, cupid shuffling partygoers.  The event has become the staple fund raiser for the chapter.  This year's attendance doubled compared to last year and according to chapter member John Valteau, "we have set the bar to a level that will make the Atlanta Chapter Mardi Gras Ball the premier Atlanta Mardi Gras Event.  We are looking forward to more guests from New Orleans coming up to enjoy in the festivities.  The main thing is that this is all being done for St. Augustine; it is our way to give back to the school that meant so much to us." The next fund raiser will be the Atlanta Chapter Golf Classic on May 15th at Durham Lakes Golf Club in Fairburn, Georgia.   All golfers and hackers are welcome to attend.  Lunch will be provided at the ninth hole turn and a 19th hole dinner will be served.  Come out and support St. Augustine!  If you have any questions feel free to contact the Atlanta Chapter at www.purplepride.ning.com.	Engraved in  History (Click For Details)