In the 1970s Walter Reid, Jr presented a farewell to his high school by becoming the first African American to give the graduating speech to the then recently integrated Riverview High School. Reid’s presentation was so dynamic the he received a standing ovation from the crowd in attendance, and the media coverage the next day filled with accolades.
In his years at the integrated Riverview High School, he was the only African American that was a member of the National Honor Society, and graduated with High Honors.