Booker T. Washington High School (Norfolk, Virginia)
Booker T. Washington High School | |
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Address | |
1111 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 United States | |
Information | |
School type | Public, high school |
Founded | 1911 |
School district | Norfolk City Public Schools |
Superintendent | Melinda J. Boone |
Principal | Margarietta Stallings |
Grades | 9–12 |
Language | English |
Campus | City |
Color(s) | Maroon, white and gold |
Athletics conference |
Virginia High School League AAA Eastern Region Eastern District |
Mascot | The Fighting Bookers or The Mighty Bookers |
Rival | I.C. Norcom High School and Lake Taylor High School |
Website |
www |
Booker T. Washington High School, also known as Booker T or BTW, is a public high school located in Norfolk, Virginia. It is administered by Norfolk Public Schools system. The school colors are maroon, white and gold. The school is called “The Mighty Booker T” and the “Fighting Bookers" in Norfolk, Virginia.
History
Booker T. Washington High School was named in honor of Booker T. Washington who was an African-American educator, author, orator, and adviser to presidents of the United States. The school dates to April 1911, when the Norfolk School Board agreed to endorse one year of high school learning in connection with elementary school at John T. West School. In 1912, a second year was added and, in 1913, a third year was included. In May 1914, the State Board of Education endorsed the high school and the local board passed an act which gave Virginia its first accredited public high school for Negroes.
The following year saw such rapid growth that the board moved to the high school site on Princess Anne Road. This site was officially occupied in 1917 and its name was immediately changed to Booker T. Washington High School. In 1924, keeping pace with its own rapid growth, a new and then modern Booker T. Washington High School opened on Virginia Beach Boulevard with a student body of 1750 in grades 7–12 and a faculty of 63 teachers. During the 1920s and 1930s under the leadership of Winston Douglas, Booker T. Washington rose to new heights of glory, earning the names “The Mighty Booker T” and the “Fighting Bookers.”
In 1961, Albert Preston guided Booker T. Washington High School through many major social, economic and education changes with determination and quiet dignity.
In September 1974, a new era began for Booker T. Washington High School. A modern $8 million plant was opened. The formal dedication was on Sunday, February 9, 1975. Thomas Newby was appointed principal in December 1977. Under his leadership, Booker T. Washington continued its quest for excellence and service to the community. When Newby retired in 1994, Joel R. Wagner became principal. He served until 2002 when Cynthia Watson took the role. Kevin Monroe lrad as the top BTW administrator until summer 2013. Adrian Day became principal in fall 2013 through spring 2016. Assistant principal Latesha Wade-Jenkins was appointed acting principal from spring 2016 until the end of summer 2016, when Margarietta Stallings was hired as principal.
Alma mater
Composed by: Phyllis Hoggard and Wanza Sulton Class of 1960
Oh dear, old Booker T,
Our love for thee will never die.
We’ll love these halls, adore these walls,
As all the years go by.
We’ll always sing your praises.
And of your glories tell.
Then, when we leave, forget you never.
Booker T. forever.
We’re striving hard to reach,
The goal that you prepared us for.
We’ll always meet the challenge;
For knowledge we implore
Booker T., our Alma Mater,
Dear ole Booker T.,
In heart and mind, our fondest love
Shall yours forever be.
Sports
Notable alumni
- Michael Basnight, NFL player
- Aline Elizabeth Black, educator
- Tony Brothers, NBA referee
- Don Carey, cornerback, Norfolk State University, 2009 NFL Draft Pick
- Roy Ebron, ABA–NBA merger (ABA).
- Samuel L. Green Jr., pastor and bishop
- Bruce Smith, Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end
- Antoine Thompson, cornerback, Nevada-Reno, signed with the St. Louis Rams in 2010
- Wilson Washington, played for two seasons in the National Basketball Association
- Pernell Whitaker, several-time World Boxing Champion
- Jack Williams, cornerback, Kent College, 2008 NFL Draft Pick
References
External links
Coordinates: 36°51′12.1″N 76°15′59.6″W / 36.853361°N 76.266556°W