Booker T. Washington High School (Shreveport, Louisiana)

Booker T. Washington High School
Motto Honor, Knowledge and Loyalty
Established January 23, 1950
Type Public secondary
Principal Dr. Stacy Russell[1]
Asst. Principal Maria Edwards (Assistant Principal of Instruction),[2] Aldon Kelly (Assistant Principal of Administration)[2]
Students 648[1]
Grades 7–12
Location 2104 Milam Street,
Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
Coordinates 32°30′16″N 93°46′28″W / 32.504453°N 93.774413°WCoordinates: 32°30′16″N 93°46′28″W / 32.504453°N 93.774413°W
Colors Maroon and White          
Mascot Lions
Rival Green Oaks Giants
Website btwlions.com

Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport, Louisiana was the first African American high school built for blacks in the city. It is named after the African-American education pioneer Booker T. Washington. Established in 1950, the school has produced many prominent politicians, doctors, lawyers, administration, counselors, writers, vocalists and poets.

History

In 1945, it was reported that educational facilities for blacks were "deplorable" and that the construction of a new high school would be one step toward improvement. This survey plus the over-crowded conditions at Central High School and Milam Street Trade School led to the construction of a new black high school on a site across from the trade school, completed in 1949, which became known as Booker T. Washington High School, named for the founder of Tuskegee Institute.

Milam Street Trade School became a junior high school when Booker T. Washington High School opened in 1950.

Classes began at Booker T Washington High School on January 23, 1950. It was a model school for blacks, even for many white communities. Many referred to it as one of the best built schools for blacks in the country. Built at a cost of a million and a half dollars ($1,514, 065) for the physical plant and $500,000 for equipment, Booker T. Washington was one of the most modern schools in Louisiana, offering innovations such as individual lockers for all students, central heating, movable desks, modern laboratories, administrative offices, asphalt tile floors, and fluorescent lighting. A massive renovation took place in 1991, and again in 2014 after a fire damaged the main wing. An additional 6,000 capacity gymnasium complete with health classrooms, a laundry area, as well as men and women's dressing rooms for both the home and opposing teams was completed in the Fall of 2006.

When Booker T. Washington High School opened its doors, Shreveport received not only its first comprehensive high school, but a dynamo in the world of athletics. The new gymnasium brought popularity to the game of basketball in Shreveport, and the school's girls basketball team repeatedly won Class 4A championships (89,90,91). The men's basketball team won its first LHSAA Class 4A Championship in 1973.

The school hosted coaches such as Leonard "Jitterbug" Barnes and George T. Brown, and continues as a powerhouse in both athletics and academics.[3]

Traditions at Booker T. Washington High School includes the annual Soul Bowl, featuring the Booker T. Washington High School Lions and the Green Oaks Giants; and baccalaureate services for graduating seniors.

Academics

The initial curriculum offered basic high school/college prep academic courses in English, literature, music, social science, health, general science, biology, algebra, geometry, chemistry, and physical education, as well as numerous vocational courses to supplement the work at Milam Street trade School. New vocational courses included commercial baking; laundry and dry cleaning processes; typing, shorthand and bookkeeping; auto mechanics that incorporated machine body and fender repair; masonry and cement work; graphic arts; carpentry; electrical name mechanics; sheet metal working, pottery and clay; landscape gardening and hot-house horticulture; leather-craft; home laundry; cooking, sewing, needle-craft; shoe-craft; and beauty culture (later cosmetology).

In the fall of 2011, Booker T. Washington added 7th & 8th Grades to its 9–12 configuration. The school incorporates the New Technology Focus into the core subjects of Math, Science, English/ Language Arts and Social Studies. Teachers currently participate in the Teacher Advancement Program Model.

In the Spring of 2013, and after seven years, Booker T. Washington made enough academic progress to be removed from the states Academically Unacceptable List. The school currently offers three magnet programs to eligible students in Caddo Parish: Telecommunications, Barbering & Cosmetology.

Booker T. Washington High School is currently accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a regional accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education. Booker T. Washington first gained accreditation in 1961, and will be up for renewal in 2019.[4]

Many Americans attribute their corporate success today to their preparation for the world of work at Shreveport's Booker T. Washington High School.

Athletics

Students at Booker T. Washington participate in the following athletic programs. The Men and Women's Basketball, Football, and Track and Field teams have a constant showing in the LHSAA Class 3A State Playoffs.

Extra Curricular Programs

Dual Enrollment Programs

Booker T. Washington High School partners with Southern University at Shreveport to provide eleventh and twelfth grade students the opportunity to earn college credit in general education courses (English, Math, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences) while earning credit towards their high school diplomas.

Defunct Programs

Alma Mater

Words by Mr. Blanchard K. Bell

O, Booker T Washington High School We'll always honor and cherish thee

O, Booker T. Washington High School We'll sing thy praises eternally...

Our colors maroon and white boldly fly, Roar lion our brave mascot, keep spirits high

O, Booker T. Washington High School We pledge our hearts to thee

O, Booker T. Washington High School We'll praise thee ever as years go by, O, Booker T. Washington High School We'll hold thy precepts both far and high

Through downfall or victory our voices raise

O, Booker T. Washington High School, to thee our loyalty.

Marching Band

The Booker T. Washington High School Marching Band is regarded as one of the most entertaining marching bands in Northwest Louisiana, having participated in numerous Battle of The Band Competitions, Festivals, and Parades.

The BTW Marching band has performed for the Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks, and were featured on ESPN during halftime. The Golden Elegance Dance line and "Lionettes" Majorettes accentuate the marching band as auxiliaries.

Most recent accomplishments of the Booker T. Washington High School Marching Band include the following:

Notable alumni

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Booker T. Washington New Technology High School". greatschools.org. Retrieved November 25, 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Meet Our Staff – Administration". btwlions.com. Retrieved November 25, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Booker T. Washington High School - 2104 Milam St.". http://winhttp.nsula.edu/regionalfolklife/aamct/pages/23.html December 2014. Shreveport, Louisiana. 15 February 2001.
  4. ↑ "International Registry for Accreditation". http://www.advanc-ed.org/oasis2/u/par/accreditation/summary?institutionId=10677''. Shreveport, Louisiana. 2 January 2015.

Website

btwlions.com