How about a story about a school that’s not just about books? Let’s talk about Sickles High School. Sickles High School is located in Citrus Park, Florida. This public high school opened its doors in 1997. It proudly bears the name of Walter L. Sickles. He served as the superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Imagine the halls filled with nearly 2,400 students. Sickles High School serves grades nine through twelve. The school’s colors are green, grey and white. Their song is Stand Up and Cheer. The students are known as Gryphons. Alonso High School is considered their rival.
Academically, Sickles High School shines. Back in 2010, Sickles met the Adequate Yearly Progress standards. These were mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act. The Florida Department of Education gave Sickles an A grade in its 2012-2013 report.
Beyond academics, Sickles High School offers a vibrant student life. Athletics play a big role. The school sponsors many interscholastic teams. Both boys and girls compete in sports. These include basketball, cross country and golf. Students also play soccer, swimming, tennis and track and field. Young women can participate in cheerleading and flag football. They also play softball and volleyball. Young men can join baseball, football, ice hockey and wrestling teams. Sickles High School’s football team reached the State Championships in 2013 and 2015. They proudly claimed 1st place in 2015.
Sickles High School boasts some notable alumni. John Henson played in the NBA. Ray-Ray McCloud is an NFL wide receiver. Kenny Wilson is a Major League Baseball player.
Did you know that Sickles High School consistently ranks high in Florida? It’s in the top 30% of all schools for overall test scores. Specifically, the math proficiency is in the top 50%. Reading proficiency is also in the top 50%. Sickles High School has a graduation rate of 97%. This places them in the top 10% in Florida.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 24:1. The minority enrollment is 58%. This is a little lower than the state average. The school is located in the Citrus Park Community of Tampa. Sickles High School is often compared to Alonso High School. Steinbrenner High School is also a point of comparison.
So, as you stand here, think about the legacy of Walter L. Sickles High School. It is a place of learning and athletic achievement. It prepares students for a bright future.