Booker T. Washington High School (Norfolk, Virginia)

Booker T. Washington High School
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.npsk12.com/btw

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

References

    Coordinates: 36°51′12.1″N 76°15′59.6″W / 36.853361°N 76.266556°W / 36.853361; -76.266556

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