The sun seems to set quickly during the holiday season. Carlights streamed into the parking places, as Comodians and alumni of the once Como High School fought the rush hour traffic for a 5:00 p.m. appointment, to attend the official closing reception commemorating Lake Como Community's 100 year anniversary celebration.

Past and present administrators, former students, and political servants Mayor Mike Moncrief, Commissioner Roy Brooks,and members of the state legislature entered Como Montessori School auditorium, formerly the old high school.

"WOW!! This is where it all took place," marked Mrs. Sanders. "I was the first class secretary, and we had our assemblies, pep rallies, everything happened in here."

Similarly, many who attended recalled how the place looks the same.

Current Principal, Jana Russell, a resident of Como, expressed how she hoped to attend the high school until intergration made places like Arlington Heights and Western Hills High School immediately available for Como students.

The Emcee for the ceremony, Estrus Tucker, is President & CEO of Liberation Community, Inc. Como closed its doors during his senior year. Like many in his situation, Estrus considers himself a graduate of the Como Class of '72. He introduced Mike Moncrief as a friend to Como.

"He was a friend before it became a political necessity," Tucker recalled.

Mayor Moncrief reminded many how Como has changed over the years, when crime had a real grip on this community. He tooks the audience back, by calling roll on the ol' soldiers who've gone on. Names many in attendance acknowledged with an "Amen," or an ocassional hand clap when the mayor mentioned names such as Sopora Hicks, Wilma Philpot, and Mrs. Pitts whose name sits overlooking Bryant Irving atop of the JPS Medical branch in Como.

State Representatives Lon Burnham and Marc Veasey both looked fondly on being a part of Como. Rep. Veasey had relatives living in Como. 

"I got a chance to spend summers here, going Jones Grocery Store. We would go by Turner Gill's childhood home and see all the trophies his parents had displayed all over his house. Stuff like that you just don't forget," said Mr.Veasey. "You could get gas from Mr.Ragsdales on credit -- and he didn't keep a book. He knew who you were, so he didn't have to."

At present, members of the alumni commitee are putting together a book on the history of Como as it moves toward the next 100 years. 

Como residents and surrounding neighbors were in attendance this day.

(r-l) Rev. Roy West, Mayor Mike Moncrief, Commissioner Brooks and Estrus Tucker reminisce.

Emcee/former student Estrus Tucker discusses the evening's line-up.

Mrs. Henderson and Former Como City Councilman John Stephenson catch up.

Mayor Moncrief visits

Larry Crockett (r) president of Como Alum Assn. , awaits the evening's ceremony..

Mayor fields praise from a constituent.

Como Montessori Principal Jana Russell (l), Mervil Johnson (c) and Attorney Leon Reed Jr, former students and residents of Como.

State Rep. Mark Veasey (l), Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy get an ear full from State Rep. Lon Burnham (r).

Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief