The Martin Luther King Memorial Society will have its annual King Holiday Parade on Jan. 20, beginning at 10 a.m. from the Rayville High School parking lot.
The grand marshal this year is Herman Wallace, or “Mr. Wallace” as he is affectionately known. He worked as a teacher, coach, and administrator in Richland Parish for a total of 20 years (1994-2014). Wallace spent over 14 of those years as Rayville High School’s band director, where he dedicated countless hours working with kids on music and teaching them life skills.
Wallace sent many kids to college on a scholarship, and enjoyed going to games to see them perform. After spending his first nine years as band director, he left and became assistant principal at Rayville Elementary from 2005-07 and at Holly Ridge Elementary from 2008-11. He returned to RHS as band director from 2011-14 until his retirement due to health reasons.
His love for music began at an early age, enticing him to play in the junior high and high school band. Because of his accomplishments and desire to continue music, he was offered a full scholarship to Alcorn State University.
There, Wallace performed with the Sounds of Dynamite marching band, the concert band and the concert choir, and became a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity, in spring of 1990. He performed at many games and appeared on television many times. He was also chosen as Who’s Who Among American College Students in 1991.
In 1994, Wallace received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Alcorn State and would later return to his high school alma mater to teach music and become the band director. His band started small but grew over the years, winning countless battles of the bands and marching in parades all over the state. Wallace or “Wally World” is loved dearly and acknowledged by his former students.
In 2003, he accepted his call to preach and later became pastor at New Bethel Baptist Church. He remained as pastor until his health no longer allowed him to carry on. He is a loving husband of almost 30 years to his wife Vanessa and adult children - Adrienne, Jonique, Emilia, Cierra, Jonathan, and Asia.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Mission Possible.” The banquet will be held at 5 p.m. on Jan. 19, free of charge at the Rayville Civic Center. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
The parade will be held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 20. All churches, schools, fraternities, sororities, businesses, and other organizations are asked to participate. The entry fees for the parade are as follows: floats, $25; cars/ trucks, $15; horse unit, $10; walking unit, $5; 4-wheelers, $5. Floats will be judged, and trophies will be given.
All float participants should report at 9 a.m. in the Rayville High School parking lot. Parade participants are asked to bring candy for the parade.
The parade will proceed down Martin Luther King Street, onto Louisa and proceed down the regular parade route to Foster Street and end at Rayville High School.
Entry forms are available from the following members: Novelette Dorsey, 318-2676518; Phyllis Dorsey, 318334-2428; Freddy Rivers, 318-334-9208; and Freda Kennedy, 318-334-7969. On-site registration will be available as well.
