Our History

Ballou Alumni Association, Inc. (BAA)

Once a Knight, Always a Knight!

Our Beginning: Preserving a Legacy

The Ballou Alumni Association, Inc. (BAA) was born from the dedication, pride, and commitment of alumni who believed that their connection to Frank W. Ballou Senior High School should extend far beyond graduation.

Although Ballou alumni had maintained relationships and organized activities for many years, a dedicated group of alumni came together during the summer of 2013 to organize a formal, lasting alumni association.

Their vision was to create an organization that would unite generations of Ballou Knights, support current students, strengthen relationships with the school community, and preserve Ballou's proud history and traditions.

The group developed and ratified a Constitution, established an organizational structure, and laid the foundation for an alumni association that would serve future generations.

Official Launch — September 1, 2014

The Ballou Alumni Association, Inc. was officially organized, chartered, and launched on September 1, 2014.

On October 22, 2014, the formation of Ballou's official alumni association was publicly announced.

BAA was established to serve as a lasting connection between the school and its alumni, providing opportunities for fellowship, mentorship, community engagement, educational assistance, and institutional support.

The Association is recognized as a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Honoring Our Seven Founding Members

BAA proudly recognizes the following alumni whose leadership, commitment, and service helped establish the Association:

• Theresa Thompson — Class of 1982

• Dena Lawson Briscoe — Class of 1978

• Lavonia E. Shirley — Class of 1988

• Wanda Lockridge — Class of 1978

• Faithia Robertson — Class of 1988

• Robert Gregg — Class of 1986

• Rev. Dr. Steven Lee — Class of 1984

Their vision and collective dedication helped transform the desire for a permanent alumni organization into an institution committed to serving Ballou and its community.

We honor these founding members and the alumni, volunteers, educators, and community partners who have contributed to the Association's growth.

Building a Tradition of Service

Since its launch, BAA has worked to strengthen the relationship between Ballou alumni, students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the surrounding community.

The Association's activities and contributions have included:

• Homecoming celebrations, alumni tailgates, and all-class fellowship.

• Community beautification and Adopt-A-Block initiatives.

• Career Day participation, mentoring, and student encouragement.

• Scholarships and educational assistance for graduating seniors.

• Support for student programs, athletics, music, and extracurricular activities.

• Assistance with class-year reunions and alumni communications.

• Community service, charitable initiatives, and volunteer activities.

• Preservation of school history, memorabilia, alumni accomplishments, and traditions.

These efforts reflect BAA's continuing belief that alumni have an important role in the success of Ballou and the well-being of its students.

Growing and Strengthening the Association

As the Association developed, its leadership continued working to strengthen governance, expand alumni participation, and establish programs that would provide meaningful support to Ballou.

In September 2026, BAA adopted an updated Constitution and Bylaws to guide its operations, governance, membership, and future development.

BAA membership is free for eligible Ballou graduates and former students. Alumni voting rights are governed by the Association's adopted Constitution and Bylaws.

Former Ballou faculty and staff are also welcomed through a separate, free, nonvoting affiliation, allowing them to remain connected and contribute to the Ballou community.

Preserving Our Past, Supporting Our Present, Building Our Future

BAA continues to advance initiatives centered on student achievement, scholarships, alumni recognition, athletics, historical preservation, community involvement, and support for the school.

Its ongoing legacy initiatives include the Distinguished Alumni Awards, Athletic Hall of Fame, Eternal Knights Memorial, and the development of the Ballou Alumni Museum & History initiative.

These efforts represent the Association's commitment to honoring those who came before us while creating opportunities for those who follow.

BAA represents Ballou alumni across all graduating classes and generations, encouraging every Knight to remain connected to our alma mater.

Our history began with a vision of alumni unity and service. Our future depends on preserving that vision and carrying it forward.

Once a Knight, Always a Knight!

Ballou Alumni Association, Inc.

Officially Launched September 1, 2014

Washington, D.C.