The BTW Alumni Foundation takes this means of wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving. We especially salute and acknowledge those lions who live out of town and are home for the holiday. We know you will treasure not only time with the family but being in Shreveport one more time.
Best wishes of course to Dr. Curley White and the entire BTW learning community.
Have a great turkey day!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Alumni Breakfast 2007 (A Royal Affair)
The second annual Alumni Breakfast was held on the beautiful BTW campus on Friday, October 19, 2007. The event was sponsored by the BTW Student Government Association (SGA). The coordinator of the Homecoming event and SGA is non other than the very capable Ms. Sonya Bryant (math department BTW and proud member of the BTW class of 1985)
The program included a welcome and remarks by the school principal, Dr. Curley White; an invocation by Mr. Algenon Lewis, BTW sophomore; introduction of speaker by Ashlyn Hamilton, SGA president; and special guest speaker, Dr. Mairus T. McFarland, Caddo Parish Coroner. The 2007 Homecoming Queen is Ms. Danielle James. Her royal court was also presented to the gathering.
Our president, Dr. G. Jean Nichols, also addressed the group. She made a strong appeal to the audience to support the BTW Alumni Foundation. A copy of our Strategic Plan and major gift activity was distributed to the attendees.
Classes in attendance were also recognized in a roll call format. It was pleasing to see representation of many years spanning the existence of this historic institution. Afterwards, a photo session was held and classes gathered for group photos to commemorate the event.
As Dr White pointed out, we look forward to this event growing each year. It may evolve into an evening affair as it matures.
So, why not mark your calendars now as we look forward to the 2008 version of this wonderful fellowship.
Thanks to Dr. White and his entire staff for making us feel not only welcome on campus, but rather feeling like we were truly "home."
The program included a welcome and remarks by the school principal, Dr. Curley White; an invocation by Mr. Algenon Lewis, BTW sophomore; introduction of speaker by Ashlyn Hamilton, SGA president; and special guest speaker, Dr. Mairus T. McFarland, Caddo Parish Coroner. The 2007 Homecoming Queen is Ms. Danielle James. Her royal court was also presented to the gathering.
Our president, Dr. G. Jean Nichols, also addressed the group. She made a strong appeal to the audience to support the BTW Alumni Foundation. A copy of our Strategic Plan and major gift activity was distributed to the attendees.
Classes in attendance were also recognized in a roll call format. It was pleasing to see representation of many years spanning the existence of this historic institution. Afterwards, a photo session was held and classes gathered for group photos to commemorate the event.
As Dr White pointed out, we look forward to this event growing each year. It may evolve into an evening affair as it matures.
So, why not mark your calendars now as we look forward to the 2008 version of this wonderful fellowship.
Thanks to Dr. White and his entire staff for making us feel not only welcome on campus, but rather feeling like we were truly "home."
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Foundation Meeting (Special Call Meeting)
A special call meeting will take place on September 20, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. with board member Mr. Willie Burton. The meeting will take place at the BTW Heritage & Academic Center located at 2100 Milam. The J.S. Clark feeder situation is expected to be discussed.
Update: Mr Burton did meet with the members as scheduled. He provided his perspective on the recent board action and assured the members he is working to enhance BTW. We appreciate Mr. Burton's time and willingness to discuss this issue. However, the general view of the members is unchanged from our previous post. We will of course continue to work with all concerned to provide for our students and to protect the legacy of this proud historically black high school.
Update: Mr Burton did meet with the members as scheduled. He provided his perspective on the recent board action and assured the members he is working to enhance BTW. We appreciate Mr. Burton's time and willingness to discuss this issue. However, the general view of the members is unchanged from our previous post. We will of course continue to work with all concerned to provide for our students and to protect the legacy of this proud historically black high school.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Foundation Meeting
The foundation will meet on Monday, September 10, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. Meetings are held at 2100 Milam St., at the BTW Heritage and Academic Center (old library).
Look forward to seeing you there.
Look forward to seeing you there.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Feeder School Expectations Not Met by Recent Board Action
A Times story called Growing pains that ran on February 21, 2006 says "Superintendent Ollie Tyler estimated the purposed changes (redrawing district lines, etc.) would mean 80 more students at the most for Booker T. Washington, based on the number of freshmen this year. About 30 students now in Byrd's zone and up to 50 students now in Fair Park's zone would be sent to the school."
Of course, the article was covering the proposed changes in district lines. These proposed changes were a direct result of Mr. Willie Burton asking the superintendent to develop ways of increasing enrollment at BTW.
The article goes on to state that "In the long run, Tyler said the key to a larger student population is coupling the changes in zoning with aggressive marketing of Booker T. Washington's unique programs, especially telecommunications. She points out that it's the only one of its kind in the parish and that several participants have gone straight to work at local TV stations."
A Times article on August 22, 2007 states that "The declaration of the feeder school, which won't go into effect until next year, could bring about 50 students to the Shreveport high school each year."(Without redrawing district lines)
The final position of the foundation is that the recent board action declaring J.S. Clark a feeder to BTW (without redrawing of district lines or other modifications of board attendance zone policy) will not offer a significant benefit to BTW in the long run.
This issue should therefore remain on the front burner for all friends of BTW.
Of course, the article was covering the proposed changes in district lines. These proposed changes were a direct result of Mr. Willie Burton asking the superintendent to develop ways of increasing enrollment at BTW.
The article goes on to state that "In the long run, Tyler said the key to a larger student population is coupling the changes in zoning with aggressive marketing of Booker T. Washington's unique programs, especially telecommunications. She points out that it's the only one of its kind in the parish and that several participants have gone straight to work at local TV stations."
A Times article on August 22, 2007 states that "The declaration of the feeder school, which won't go into effect until next year, could bring about 50 students to the Shreveport high school each year."(Without redrawing district lines)
The final position of the foundation is that the recent board action declaring J.S. Clark a feeder to BTW (without redrawing of district lines or other modifications of board attendance zone policy) will not offer a significant benefit to BTW in the long run.
This issue should therefore remain on the front burner for all friends of BTW.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Board agrees J.S. Clark to feed BTW(but what does that really mean)
During its August 21, 2007 meeting, the CPSB approved item number 21 on its agenda without debate. That item reads: "Feeder School for Booker T. Washington High School (Burton)."
On August 22, 2007, The Times reports this development as " J.S. Clark Middle to feed students to BTW, board decides." The problem is that this approval apparently comes without the requirement to redraw distrist lines or any other parameters.
That leads to the obvious conclusion that the approval was little more than an empty gesture. Board member Willie Burton is quoted in The Times article as saying "Redrawing the district lines wouldn't have changed a whole lot, and it wouldn't be relevant because students can choose where they want to go."
This of course is 180 degrees from item 17 that was on the boards agenda for Febuary 21, 2006. That item read: "Feeder Pattern proposal for Booker T. Washington High School (Burton/Robinson 603-5474).
It came with a recommendation of then superintendent, Ollie S. Tyler. The recommendation was designed to "...establish a main feeder pattern by realigning J.S.Clark Middle School to feed Booker T. Washington High. Attached are maps depicting the recommended changes to the BTW attendance zone.
Listed below are the proposed changes designed to address the declining enrollment.
1.Realign Booker T. Washington's southern most boundary.........
2.Realign Booker T Washington's eastern boundary................
3.Cap the enrollment at C.E.Byrd High School to 1,950 students from outside the attendance zone. The Magnet Program enrollment will not be affected."
Of course, item 17 was pulled from the agenda by Mr. Burton in order to allow the community to fully understand how the proposed changes affected them.
The foundation is now seeking further information and clarification on this development before issuing a final assessment. However, on a prelimanary basis, we have serious reservations about how this latest move by the board will truly benefit BTW.
Stay tuned..
On August 22, 2007, The Times reports this development as " J.S. Clark Middle to feed students to BTW, board decides." The problem is that this approval apparently comes without the requirement to redraw distrist lines or any other parameters.
That leads to the obvious conclusion that the approval was little more than an empty gesture. Board member Willie Burton is quoted in The Times article as saying "Redrawing the district lines wouldn't have changed a whole lot, and it wouldn't be relevant because students can choose where they want to go."
This of course is 180 degrees from item 17 that was on the boards agenda for Febuary 21, 2006. That item read: "Feeder Pattern proposal for Booker T. Washington High School (Burton/Robinson 603-5474).
It came with a recommendation of then superintendent, Ollie S. Tyler. The recommendation was designed to "...establish a main feeder pattern by realigning J.S.Clark Middle School to feed Booker T. Washington High. Attached are maps depicting the recommended changes to the BTW attendance zone.
Listed below are the proposed changes designed to address the declining enrollment.
1.Realign Booker T. Washington's southern most boundary.........
2.Realign Booker T Washington's eastern boundary................
3.Cap the enrollment at C.E.Byrd High School to 1,950 students from outside the attendance zone. The Magnet Program enrollment will not be affected."
Of course, item 17 was pulled from the agenda by Mr. Burton in order to allow the community to fully understand how the proposed changes affected them.
The foundation is now seeking further information and clarification on this development before issuing a final assessment. However, on a prelimanary basis, we have serious reservations about how this latest move by the board will truly benefit BTW.
Stay tuned..
Sunday, August 19, 2007
CPSB may vote on Feeder School for BTW
Published reports indicate that the CPSB may vote to make J.S. Clark a primary feeder to BTW at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, August 21, 2007. A review of the online agenda for the board does show this as an item for consideration.
For a good history of this situation, see Sunday's Shreveport Times as well as related information on this site.
Interested friends of BTW should plan to attend this board meeting as a show of support for this agenda item. The meeting will be held at 1961 Midway St, starting at 4:30p.m.
We know that the feeder school designation is not the total solution to fully restoring BTW. But it is the right thing to do. It simply corrects one of the clear disparities impacting our school, its students and the community.
For a good history of this situation, see Sunday's Shreveport Times as well as related information on this site.
Interested friends of BTW should plan to attend this board meeting as a show of support for this agenda item. The meeting will be held at 1961 Midway St, starting at 4:30p.m.
We know that the feeder school designation is not the total solution to fully restoring BTW. But it is the right thing to do. It simply corrects one of the clear disparities impacting our school, its students and the community.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
BTW Must Offer Choice
A preliminary list of Schools that must offer choice was recently released by the Louisiana Department of Education. BTW, deemed Academically Unacceptable, was among 12 Caddo Parish schools so identified under the terms of the No Child Left Behind act.
"Each consecutive year that a school is labeled Academically Unacceptable, it moves to a higher level of AUS (2-6+). Each higher level has additional and more stringent consequences for the school and can eventually lead to take-over by the state."
BTW, already in AUS 2, was required to "offer Supplemental Educational Services (SES) if it is a Title I school. The U.S. Department of Education defines Supplemental Education Services as "tutoring or extra help provided to students in reading, language arts/English, and math from approved providers." This "extra help" must be offered outside of regular school hours. These schools also must receive additional assistance from the school district along with additional support from the LDE."
Corrective Actions List Mandated by NCLB:
1. Replace school staff
2. Implement new curriculum
3. Decrease management authority
4. Contract an outside expert
5. Extend the school year or school day
6. Restructure
BTW is now in AUS 3. "Schools in AUS 3 continue the remedies from AUS 2. They must also write reconstitution plans with assistance from the district and add one item from a corrective actions list mandated by NCLB. The state also offers the support of a Distinguished Educator when funding is available."
All interested alums should be on high alert. You should plan to attend the next announced meeting of the alumni foundation. We must be at the table when any planning is taking place and be prepared to support our school as required.
Stay tuned!
"Each consecutive year that a school is labeled Academically Unacceptable, it moves to a higher level of AUS (2-6+). Each higher level has additional and more stringent consequences for the school and can eventually lead to take-over by the state."
BTW, already in AUS 2, was required to "offer Supplemental Educational Services (SES) if it is a Title I school. The U.S. Department of Education defines Supplemental Education Services as "tutoring or extra help provided to students in reading, language arts/English, and math from approved providers." This "extra help" must be offered outside of regular school hours. These schools also must receive additional assistance from the school district along with additional support from the LDE."
Corrective Actions List Mandated by NCLB:
1. Replace school staff
2. Implement new curriculum
3. Decrease management authority
4. Contract an outside expert
5. Extend the school year or school day
6. Restructure
BTW is now in AUS 3. "Schools in AUS 3 continue the remedies from AUS 2. They must also write reconstitution plans with assistance from the district and add one item from a corrective actions list mandated by NCLB. The state also offers the support of a Distinguished Educator when funding is available."
All interested alums should be on high alert. You should plan to attend the next announced meeting of the alumni foundation. We must be at the table when any planning is taking place and be prepared to support our school as required.
Stay tuned!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Reunion News
1964____The class of 1964 is making plans for its next reunion. Tentative dates are July 3-6, 2008 in Shreveport. Fees have been set at $150.00 per individual and $225.00 for classmates married to each other. For more information, contact reunion chairman H. Calvin Austin, III. at email address pstr3hca@aol.com.
1965____The class of 1965 is also making plans for its next reunion. The committee is in place and Clara H. Farley is the chair. She can be reached at vefarley@bellsouth.net. This class is entertaining a suggestion by the class of 1964 for a joint reunion involving classes 1964,1965 and 1966. Email Clara with your thoughts on this suggestion.
Update-(May 8,2008) The class of 1965 is inviting members of classes 1964-66 to attend planning meetings at the Lakeside Recreation Center. Meetins are held the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Additional contacts are Fred or Delores Thomas 318-636-2959 or Doris B. Hunt at 318-635-3454.
1986----The Class of 1986 is having a reunion August 1-3, 2008 in Shreveport. Dues are $100 per classmate. For more information, contact Veronica Ivy at 318-424-2293 or email address btwclassof1986@yahoo.com or visit our website at
http://www.btw1986reunion.myevent.com/
1985----The Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1985 will hold a social event Friday, September 21 at the Masonic Temple Hall, 5632 Hearne Ave., from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
For more information contact Sheila Johnson 318-687-5174 or Lynn Cathorne 504-427-8167.
Update May 8, 2008: The class of 1998 is looking for alumni for a 10 year reunion scheduled for June 6-8. Send email to msbrowny_mshoneybun@yahoo.com to learn more.
Update May 8, 2008: The class of 1959 is looking for alumni for a 50-year reunion to be held in June. Call Mary Ann Chapman at 318-868-5947 or Daisey Jackson Alexander at 318-861-3782 for more information.
1965____The class of 1965 is also making plans for its next reunion. The committee is in place and Clara H. Farley is the chair. She can be reached at vefarley@bellsouth.net. This class is entertaining a suggestion by the class of 1964 for a joint reunion involving classes 1964,1965 and 1966. Email Clara with your thoughts on this suggestion.
Update-(May 8,2008) The class of 1965 is inviting members of classes 1964-66 to attend planning meetings at the Lakeside Recreation Center. Meetins are held the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Additional contacts are Fred or Delores Thomas 318-636-2959 or Doris B. Hunt at 318-635-3454.
1986----The Class of 1986 is having a reunion August 1-3, 2008 in Shreveport. Dues are $100 per classmate. For more information, contact Veronica Ivy at 318-424-2293 or email address btwclassof1986@yahoo.com or visit our website at
http://www.btw1986reunion.myevent.com/
1985----The Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1985 will hold a social event Friday, September 21 at the Masonic Temple Hall, 5632 Hearne Ave., from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
For more information contact Sheila Johnson 318-687-5174 or Lynn Cathorne 504-427-8167.
Update May 8, 2008: The class of 1998 is looking for alumni for a 10 year reunion scheduled for June 6-8. Send email to msbrowny_mshoneybun@yahoo.com to learn more.
Update May 8, 2008: The class of 1959 is looking for alumni for a 50-year reunion to be held in June. Call Mary Ann Chapman at 318-868-5947 or Daisey Jackson Alexander at 318-861-3782 for more information.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Scholarship Honor Roll
We are pleased to report and acknowledge the faith and confidence the community has in BTW students. As such, we will start to catalog the many scholarships awarded to our fellow alums. If you are awarding a scholarship and want to list it on this blog, simply drop us a note to our e-mail address. Thank you for supporting our wonderful students at BTW.
1. As reported in The BTW Class of 1964 Newsletter ( Summer,2007), this class awarded two scholarships to outstanding 2007 BTW grads. Recipients were Frederick Washington and Lisa Bright. Each received a $500.00 award.
2. As reported in The Times on July 22, 2007, the Shreveport City Corvette Club awarded a $1000.00 scholarship to Ardaisha Jacobs.
3.UPDATE JULY 3, 2008: As reported in the Summer Edition (2008) of the class newsletter "The Class of 1964 presented two (2) $500 scholarships. Minister Calvin Austin, Chairman of B.T.W. Class Reunion presented scholarships to Alexis Davis and Robenyce Green. Classmates that attended the Awards Ceremony on May 8 2008 are H. Calvin Austin, III, Felton Downing, Pearlie Douglas, Bertha Jackson and Maxine Webb.
1. As reported in The BTW Class of 1964 Newsletter ( Summer,2007), this class awarded two scholarships to outstanding 2007 BTW grads. Recipients were Frederick Washington and Lisa Bright. Each received a $500.00 award.
2. As reported in The Times on July 22, 2007, the Shreveport City Corvette Club awarded a $1000.00 scholarship to Ardaisha Jacobs.
3.UPDATE JULY 3, 2008: As reported in the Summer Edition (2008) of the class newsletter "The Class of 1964 presented two (2) $500 scholarships. Minister Calvin Austin, Chairman of B.T.W. Class Reunion presented scholarships to Alexis Davis and Robenyce Green. Classmates that attended the Awards Ceremony on May 8 2008 are H. Calvin Austin, III, Felton Downing, Pearlie Douglas, Bertha Jackson and Maxine Webb.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Focus Group Report Accepted by CPSB
During its regular meeting on June 19, 2007, the CPSB accepted a report prepared by a board appointed focus group. Among the recommendations contained in the report, is to make J.S. Clark a primary feeder school to Booker T. Washington. It should be noted that acceptance of the report does not mean the board will ever take action on same. However, friends of BTW should track developments in this area very closely to insure that the board does in fact correct what is clearly an inequity.
Please remember it was in September, 2004 that District 3 board member Willie Burton first raised the issue of a feeder school for BTW. In response, the staff in fact redrew district lines and Mr. Burton introduced a motion to implement the new alignment in February, 2006.
However, there was a local uproar about the public not having had sufficient notice of the proposed changes. Mr. Burton pulled his motion in order to be fair and to make certain that everyone had appropriate notice. It was this issue that lead to the appointment of the focus group. The group was to look at broader district issues to include the BTW feeder matter.
A front page news story in The Times on June 19, 2007, said enrollment at BTW was 426 as of February, 2007. The enrollment was 443 when Burton first raised the issue (2004-05) and it fell to 432 (2005-2006). If the 426 figure is correct that takes us to (2006-07).
Obviously as the issue drags on, the situation becomes increasingly more serious for BTW.
Please remember it was in September, 2004 that District 3 board member Willie Burton first raised the issue of a feeder school for BTW. In response, the staff in fact redrew district lines and Mr. Burton introduced a motion to implement the new alignment in February, 2006.
However, there was a local uproar about the public not having had sufficient notice of the proposed changes. Mr. Burton pulled his motion in order to be fair and to make certain that everyone had appropriate notice. It was this issue that lead to the appointment of the focus group. The group was to look at broader district issues to include the BTW feeder matter.
A front page news story in The Times on June 19, 2007, said enrollment at BTW was 426 as of February, 2007. The enrollment was 443 when Burton first raised the issue (2004-05) and it fell to 432 (2005-2006). If the 426 figure is correct that takes us to (2006-07).
Obviously as the issue drags on, the situation becomes increasingly more serious for BTW.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Friday, June 8, 2007
BTW Alumni Foundation blog
On May 24, 2007 the following news release ran in the Shreveport Sun. "The Booker T. Washington Alumni Foundation announces the creation of its new blog at http://btwalums.blogspot.com. The blog will be used to keep alumni family and supporters up to date regarding critical issues involving their Alma mater. Feedback and suggestions can be made by attaching comments to a given post.
Information can also be e-mailed to marram9133@mypacks.net.
The foundation says it is taking advantage of technology to "improve communications with the BTW family."
Information can also be e-mailed to marram9133@mypacks.net.
The foundation says it is taking advantage of technology to "improve communications with the BTW family."
Feeder School for BTW
Although the proximity of J.S. Clark to Booker T. Washington would suggest otherwise, BTW does not receive its appropriate share of students coming from JSC. On June 5, 2007 a school board appointed focus group made a recommendation, among others, that JSC be designated the primary feeder to BTW. The board will consider accepting the groups report at its next meeting on June 19, 2007. Thereafter, it is important to follow board action on this item.
Interested alums and friends should follow this issue closely. BTW enrollment has plunged from 962 during the 95-96 school term to 432 during the 05-06 term. While the feeder school situation may not be the sole cause of this decline, it is nevertheless a contributing factor and it is one that should be promptly addressed.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical topic.
Interested alums and friends should follow this issue closely. BTW enrollment has plunged from 962 during the 95-96 school term to 432 during the 05-06 term. While the feeder school situation may not be the sole cause of this decline, it is nevertheless a contributing factor and it is one that should be promptly addressed.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical topic.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
BTW principal escapes injury in Milam wreck
"Three people went to local hospitals, and the principal of a Shreveport high school miraculously escaped death Friday afternoon in a three-vehicle wreck at Milam Street at Hearne Avenue.
One of the cars in the 4 p.m. accident-not the at-fault vehicle-was driven by Booker T. Washington High principal Curley White,50.
A silver westbound Mitsubishi that police said raced through a red light struck a Chrysler 300, ramped off a rise in the road and landed atop of White's Infiniti.
The two people in the Mitsubishi and the driver of the Chrysler, all unidentified, were taken to local hospitals with injuries police said were not believed to be life-threatening.
White walked away unscathed."
By: John Andrew Prime/The Times
We of course thank God for his intervention in this event that spared our principal.
One of the cars in the 4 p.m. accident-not the at-fault vehicle-was driven by Booker T. Washington High principal Curley White,50.
A silver westbound Mitsubishi that police said raced through a red light struck a Chrysler 300, ramped off a rise in the road and landed atop of White's Infiniti.
The two people in the Mitsubishi and the driver of the Chrysler, all unidentified, were taken to local hospitals with injuries police said were not believed to be life-threatening.
White walked away unscathed."
By: John Andrew Prime/The Times
We of course thank God for his intervention in this event that spared our principal.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Condolences
The entire BTW alumni family wishes to express its deep sympathy to Coach Terrence Winn Sr. and family for the recent loss of their son, Terrence Winn. No words can adequately express our heart felt sorrow. You and your family are in our prayers.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Membership
Memberships are extended to all graduates of Booker T. Washington High School, and may be extended to Friends of BTW.
Membership fees are $10.00 annually. Please make your checks payable to Booker T. Washington Alumni Foundation and mail to: P. O. Box 3709, Shreveport, LA. 71133-3709.
Your membership card will be mailed to you.
Please include your current mailing address and telephone number.
Thank you for your membership.
Membership fees are $10.00 annually. Please make your checks payable to Booker T. Washington Alumni Foundation and mail to: P. O. Box 3709, Shreveport, LA. 71133-3709.
Your membership card will be mailed to you.
Please include your current mailing address and telephone number.
Thank you for your membership.
Graduation
Congratulations to the class of 2007! We know that you have worked very hard and that you and your families are very proud. We want you to know that the Alumni Foundation is also very proud of you and look forward to you joining our ranks.
Following your graduation, your first years membership is complimentary. It will expire in June,2008. We know you will want to continue being a part of this organization by renewing your membership accordingly.
Best wishes and every success for the future.
Go Mighty Lions!
Following your graduation, your first years membership is complimentary. It will expire in June,2008. We know you will want to continue being a part of this organization by renewing your membership accordingly.
Best wishes and every success for the future.
Go Mighty Lions!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Meeting Information
Meetings usually take place on the second Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. Meetings are held at the Booker T. Washington Heritage and Academic Center located at 2100 Milam St. All alums are welcome to attend as your schedule permits. Meetings usually last for one hour.
We do not meet during the summer when school is not in session.
Hope to see you at our next meeting. This is a good place to be for those who share our passion for education, our students and our school.
We do not meet during the summer when school is not in session.
Hope to see you at our next meeting. This is a good place to be for those who share our passion for education, our students and our school.
BTW Heritage and Academic Center
The BTW family celebrated its 55Th birthday by opening the Booker T. Washington Heritage and Academic Center, located on the southeast corner of the school's campus(the old library on Elder street).
The center is filled with memorabilia and history of the BTW Lions. The center was officially opened and dedicated on January 23, 2005. As you know, the school was opened on January 23, 1950.
The center also serves as an adult education facility, meeting place for BTW classes and the PTSA organization. Other community activities, for which the facility is suitable, may also be hosted at this location.
We are proud of this facility. Please drop by and visit as your schedule permits.
The center is filled with memorabilia and history of the BTW Lions. The center was officially opened and dedicated on January 23, 2005. As you know, the school was opened on January 23, 1950.
The center also serves as an adult education facility, meeting place for BTW classes and the PTSA organization. Other community activities, for which the facility is suitable, may also be hosted at this location.
We are proud of this facility. Please drop by and visit as your schedule permits.
Fundraising Activities
The BTW Alumni Foundation conducted a fund- raising, and membership drive on May 5, 2007 in front of the school on Milam street. The activity was promoted on local radio and in the Shreveport Sun as Booker T. Alumni Roundup. This was the Foundation's spring activity.
- Our annual memberships were offered at $10.00 each
- Various treats( hot dogs, and drinks were also offered for sale)
- BTW Caps (with the lion logo) were offered at $15.00 each
The BTW caps are still available by contacting Jeane Nichols at 525-9859 or Lou Jackson at 603-2172. These very attractive caps are 100% cotton, 6-panel construction, structured self-fabric overlapping Velcro closure. The caps are khaki with maroon lettering. You must have one in your collection.
Thanks for your support.
Major Financial Donations
This is a list of the major financial donations of the BTW Alumni Foundation. This list will be updated for the benefit of the public. The foundation believes in total transparency. We may be small but we are committed to the MIGHTY LIONS.
DATE/Amount/Activity
11/2000 $10,000/School Improvement
05/2001 $4500/Scholarships (3)
05/2002 $3000/Scholarships(2)
05/2003 $3000/Scholarships(2)
05/2003 $3500/School Media Campaign
12/2003 $2000/Close-up Travel to Washington DC
05/2004 $1500/Scholarship(1)
05/2005 $1500/Scholarship(1)
05/2006 $1500/Scholarship(1)
04/2007 $1000/Reading Program
09/2007 $900/ACT Testing Program
05/2008 $1500/Scholarship(1)
Note: Scholarship awards are $1500 each
DATE/Amount/Activity
11/2000 $10,000/School Improvement
05/2001 $4500/Scholarships (3)
05/2002 $3000/Scholarships(2)
05/2003 $3000/Scholarships(2)
05/2003 $3500/School Media Campaign
12/2003 $2000/Close-up Travel to Washington DC
05/2004 $1500/Scholarship(1)
05/2005 $1500/Scholarship(1)
05/2006 $1500/Scholarship(1)
04/2007 $1000/Reading Program
09/2007 $900/ACT Testing Program
05/2008 $1500/Scholarship(1)
Note: Scholarship awards are $1500 each
CONTACT INFORMATION
You may contact us by:
1.Email at: marram9133@mypacks.net
2.Mail: P.O. Box 3709
Shreveport, La 71133-3709
3. Telephone: G. Jeane Nichols, President, 318-525-9859
Lieutenant Jackson, Member (Blog Adm), 318-603-2172
1.Email at: marram9133@mypacks.net
2.Mail: P.O. Box 3709
Shreveport, La 71133-3709
3. Telephone: G. Jeane Nichols, President, 318-525-9859
Lieutenant Jackson, Member (Blog Adm), 318-603-2172
First Faculty at BTW
Many of the BTW grads had a chance to study under the first faculty assigned to Booker T. Washington High School. These were truly pioneers and they will always be remembered in the history of BTW, Shreveport and the nation.
Their dedication and sacrifice should be examples to all who follow in the grand tradition of "EDUCATORS" at BTW. They should serve a role models to all who have the privaledge to follow in thier footsteps. If you are a teacher that walks the halls of BTW, you must feel the presence of these great americans (giants) who led black children at a time when they and the students struggled against the forces of Jim Crow.
This listing is taken from that outstanding work by Mr. Willie Burton, The Blacker The Berry...A Black history of Shreveport. The magnificent 65 were as follows:
R.H. Brown, Principal
Effie Dougherty
Albert Moody
Theola Jackson
Sammie Mann
Rebecca Legardy
Ruth Lincoln
Effie Sapp
Corinne Taylor
M.J. Powell
Antoinette James
Melviney Jones
Howard Robinson
Vernon Burden
Blanche H. Milloy
Mandura Brown
Willard Hooks
Walter C. Walker
Ralph Milner
Alonzo T. Chambers, Assistant Principal
Hazel L. Payne
Albertine B. Pogue
Elizabeth Stackhouse
Arthurline Yancy
Hazel S. Harrison
Susie T. Nelson
Frank Rayson
Geneva Burks
Mae Etta Scott
Gretchen Claiborne
Carrie P. Selber
Nancy Davis
Barney Fields
James S. Arthur
Andrew Hall
Ezekiel Moore
George T Brown
Courtland Milloy
Pearl Lee
Ella Nelson
Emerolyn Brown
Herman Selber
Adrena D. Hawkins
Mary Anderson
Pauline Green
George Henderson
Herbert Webb
Ophelia Williams
Bertha Hammit
Charles Johnson
Henrietta Sartor
Nannie Lou Leech
Timothy Ball
Clifton Davis
Walter Compier
James T. Hayes
George Collins
Sidney R. Watters
Doretha Barnes
Susie Hendrix
Olive C. Brown
Leonard C. Barnes
Beulah O'Neal
Lucille Tisby
Blanchard Bell
Dolzie Epps
Lucille Hodge
This completes the truly "HONOR ROLL" of educators in the history of Shreveport, LA. You have left hugh footprints for those who follow. Thank you for your leadership, scholarship and ability to serve during a period of our nation's history that provided little or no support.
Their dedication and sacrifice should be examples to all who follow in the grand tradition of "EDUCATORS" at BTW. They should serve a role models to all who have the privaledge to follow in thier footsteps. If you are a teacher that walks the halls of BTW, you must feel the presence of these great americans (giants) who led black children at a time when they and the students struggled against the forces of Jim Crow.
This listing is taken from that outstanding work by Mr. Willie Burton, The Blacker The Berry...A Black history of Shreveport. The magnificent 65 were as follows:
R.H. Brown, Principal
Effie Dougherty
Albert Moody
Theola Jackson
Sammie Mann
Rebecca Legardy
Ruth Lincoln
Effie Sapp
Corinne Taylor
M.J. Powell
Antoinette James
Melviney Jones
Howard Robinson
Vernon Burden
Blanche H. Milloy
Mandura Brown
Willard Hooks
Walter C. Walker
Ralph Milner
Alonzo T. Chambers, Assistant Principal
Hazel L. Payne
Albertine B. Pogue
Elizabeth Stackhouse
Arthurline Yancy
Hazel S. Harrison
Susie T. Nelson
Frank Rayson
Geneva Burks
Mae Etta Scott
Gretchen Claiborne
Carrie P. Selber
Nancy Davis
Barney Fields
James S. Arthur
Andrew Hall
Ezekiel Moore
George T Brown
Courtland Milloy
Pearl Lee
Ella Nelson
Emerolyn Brown
Herman Selber
Adrena D. Hawkins
Mary Anderson
Pauline Green
George Henderson
Herbert Webb
Ophelia Williams
Bertha Hammit
Charles Johnson
Henrietta Sartor
Nannie Lou Leech
Timothy Ball
Clifton Davis
Walter Compier
James T. Hayes
George Collins
Sidney R. Watters
Doretha Barnes
Susie Hendrix
Olive C. Brown
Leonard C. Barnes
Beulah O'Neal
Lucille Tisby
Blanchard Bell
Dolzie Epps
Lucille Hodge
This completes the truly "HONOR ROLL" of educators in the history of Shreveport, LA. You have left hugh footprints for those who follow. Thank you for your leadership, scholarship and ability to serve during a period of our nation's history that provided little or no support.
BTW History
The following history of BTW is taken from The Blacker The Berry...A History of Shreveport, by Willie Burton.
"A citizens' committee making a survey of the Shreveport black community in 1945 reported that educational facilities for Negroes 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 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.
The 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). Many black Shreveporters attribute their success today to their preparation for the world of work at Booker T. Washington High School.
"A citizens' committee making a survey of the Shreveport black community in 1945 reported that educational facilities for Negroes 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 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.
The 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). Many black Shreveporters attribute their success today to their preparation for the world of work at Booker T. Washington High School.
BTW Alumni Foundation History/Vision
The Booker T. Washington High School Alumni Foundation of Shreveport, Louisiana, Inc was created in May,1992. The vision was to establish a non-profit corporation for the purpose of supporting our beloved Booker T. Washington High School (BTW).
The directors of the foundation, as established, were Cleophus Banks, Gwendolyn Cason and Carl Henry Franklin. The foundation will forever owe a debt of gratitude to these true visionaries.
Our Current Frame of Reference:
We want to see the lion restored to its once prominent place in the community. There are thousands of former graduates dispersed across the country and probably the world for that matter. We are loyal to the institution that launched our lives and careers. The "Lion is Coming Back" and as alums, we will play a key leadership role in this recovery.
Our Current Vision:
Booker T. Washington High School will become a premier learning institution noted for its academic excellence. We will be recognized as such an institution by objective measures of performance established by national and/or state standards.
Strategy:
A number of key actions have been identified as being critical to the achievement of our vision. We invite all interested alums to join us in this work. Please see "meetings" and "membership" labels and be guided accordingly.
Gifts:
The BTW Alumni Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Your tax deductible gifts of $25, $50, $75, $100 or other amounts you deem appropriate are much needed and appreciated.
Please direct your gifts as follows:
BTW Alumni Foundation
P.O. Box 3709
Shreveport, LA 71133-3709
Follow closely how we use your gifts by clicking on the label "Major Financial Donations."
There you will see how your financial support is put to work for our students and our school.
Thank you very much.
The directors of the foundation, as established, were Cleophus Banks, Gwendolyn Cason and Carl Henry Franklin. The foundation will forever owe a debt of gratitude to these true visionaries.
Our Current Frame of Reference:
We want to see the lion restored to its once prominent place in the community. There are thousands of former graduates dispersed across the country and probably the world for that matter. We are loyal to the institution that launched our lives and careers. The "Lion is Coming Back" and as alums, we will play a key leadership role in this recovery.
Our Current Vision:
Booker T. Washington High School will become a premier learning institution noted for its academic excellence. We will be recognized as such an institution by objective measures of performance established by national and/or state standards.
Strategy:
A number of key actions have been identified as being critical to the achievement of our vision. We invite all interested alums to join us in this work. Please see "meetings" and "membership" labels and be guided accordingly.
Gifts:
The BTW Alumni Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Your tax deductible gifts of $25, $50, $75, $100 or other amounts you deem appropriate are much needed and appreciated.
Please direct your gifts as follows:
BTW Alumni Foundation
P.O. Box 3709
Shreveport, LA 71133-3709
Follow closely how we use your gifts by clicking on the label "Major Financial Donations."
There you will see how your financial support is put to work for our students and our school.
Thank you very much.
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