Booker T. Washington High School (Tennessee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Booker T. Washington High School |
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| Address | |
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715 South Lauderdale Street
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| Coordinates | 35°07′40″N 90°02′42″W / 35.127821°N 90.045078°W |
| Information | |
| Former name | Clay Street School |
| Type | Public secondary |
| Motto | We're tops! We lead and others follow. |
| Established | 1873 (built)-1926 (rebuilt) |
| School district | Memphis City Schools |
| Principal | Alicia Kiner |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 477 (2022-23) |
| Campus | Urban |
| Color(s) | |
| Mascot | Warrior |
| Affiliations | Shelby County Schools |
| Website | BTWHS Website |
 The school's main entrance on South Lauderdale Street |
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Booker T. Washington High School, often called BTW, is a public high school for students in grades 9-12. It is located in the city of Memphis, Tennessee. The school is part of the Shelby County Schools district.
BTW became famous across the country in 2011. That year, the school won a national competition, and the prize was a special visit. The President of the United States at the time, Barack Obama, gave the graduation speech to the students.
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A Long and Proud History
Booker T. Washington High School has a very long history. It was founded in 1873 as the Clay Street School. It was one of the first public high schools for African American students in Memphis. Its first principal was Green Polonius Hamilton.
In 1891, the school's name was changed to Kortrecht High School. Then, in 1926, a brand-new building was constructed for the students. The school was renamed again, this time to honor Booker T. Washington, a famous American educator and leader for civil rights. Over the years, the school added new buildings, including a gymnasium in 1950.
Winning a Visit from the President
In 2011, BTW High School entered the Race to the Top Commencement Challenge. This was a contest for public high schools all over the country. Schools had to show how they were helping students get ready for college and future jobs.
To enter, students wrote essays and made videos about their school. The staff and students at BTW had worked hard to make their school a better place. They helped more students graduate, raising the graduation rate from 55% in 2007 to 82% in 2010. They did this by creating special classes and helping teachers be even better at their jobs.
The school also worked to overcome challenges in the community and improve student safety. Because of all their hard work and success, BTW beat over 450 other schools to win the grand prize. As a reward, President Barack Obama visited the school and gave the 2011 graduation speech.
Famous Students from BTW
Many talented people have graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. They have become successful in music, sports, and politics.
Musicians
- Johnny Ace - A popular R&B singer.
- J. Blackfoot - A soul singer who was part of the group The Soul Children. He was famous for his hit song "Taxi."
- The Bar-Kays - A famous soul, R&B, and funk band that started in 1966.
- Booker T. Jones - A musician and the leader of the band Booker T. & the M.G.'s.
- The Mad Lads - A soul and R&B vocal group that formed at the school in 1965.
- David Porter - A songwriter for Stax Records who wrote many hits in the 1960s and 70s, including "Soul Man."
- Rufus Thomas - A singer and songwriter for Stax Records.
- Maurice White - The founder of the hit R&B and soul band Earth, Wind and Fire.
Leaders and Activists
- Marion Barry - Served as the mayor of Washington, D.C.
- George W. Haley - A lawyer, politician, and U.S. ambassador.
- W. W. Herenton - Became the first African-American mayor of Memphis.
- Benjamin Hooks - A leader in the American civil rights movement and the head of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
- Maxine Smith - A civil rights activist and member of the school board.
- Russell B. Sugarmon, Jr. - A civil rights lawyer and a member of the Tennessee state government.
Athletes
- Harvey Branch - A professional baseball player.
- Verdell Mathis - A player in Negro league baseball.
- Oscar Reed - A professional football player for the Minnesota Vikings.
- Fred Valentine - An outfielder in Major League Baseball.
- Lorenzen Wright - A professional basketball player.
See also
- List of things named after Booker T. Washington
- Manassas High School
