Did you know that Howard W. Blake High School has a rich history? This Tampa school began as a vocational school for African-American youth. It has transformed over the years.
Let’s delve into the story of Howard W. Blake High School. In 1945, the Hillsborough County School Board created the Don Thompson Vocational High School. This school offered vocational training programs. Students from Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver attended.
In 1956, a new chapter began. Howard W. Blake Comprehensive High School opened. It was named after Howard Wesley Blake. He was a Tampa native and education advocate. The school offered general education and vocational training to African American students. It was located on the Hillsborough River. This was west of the North Boulevard bridge.
The original Howard W. Blake High School closed in 1971. This closure was due to desegregation. It reopened as Blake 7th Grade Center.
A new era started in 1997. The school reopened with a new facility. It was located east of the original site. The name changed to Howard W. Blake High School. “Comprehensive” was dropped. The school retained its traditional curriculum. It added a performing and visual arts magnet program. Any student in the district could audition.
Howard W. Blake High School offers diverse magnet programs. These include music both vocal and instrumental. There is also musical and dramatic theater, and dance. Visual arts, television production, and creative writing are offered too.
The theater program studies drama, musical theater, and technical theater. They compete at Florida State Thespians annually. They have won Superior ratings. The department produces seven shows a year. These include two plays, two musicals, and a musical concert. A one-act play and a Senior Showcase are also performed.
Many theater students have achieved success. Danyelle Williamson is an actress. Shannon Magrane is a singer. Taylor Trensch is an actor. Owen Teague is also an actor.
The music department is extensive. It includes band, orchestra, and choir. Guitar, piano, harp, jazz ensembles, and marching band are offered. Theory and history courses are also available. The faculty has eight members. Students can perform in the community.
The dance department teaches ballet and modern dance. They host guest faculties. They offer classes in various dance styles. The department runs five shows a year. These include faculty and student choreography shows.
Creative writing majors create a portfolio. At the end of four years, students publish a chapbook.
The journalism program uses a website. Students create editorials, short stories, and articles.
Visual arts students explore drawing, painting, and sculpture. They can specialize in a medium. Master certification is available.
The TV and Film program prepares students for careers. Students develop skills from scriptwriting to video editing.
Howard W. Blake High School has a graduation rate of 80%. This was in 2012.
The school shares Riverfront Stadium with Tampa Bay Sun FC. The stadium hosts soccer and football teams. Men’s and women’s sports are available.
Several alumni have achieved success. Doechii is a Grammy Award-winning singer. Ryan Davis, Earl Edwards, Eddie McMillan, Leon McQuay, and Isaiah Rodgers played in the NFL.
Howard W. Blake High School stands as a testament to transformation. It is a center for arts and academics in Tampa.