Page 18 - Florida Sentinel 12-18-15 Edition

Holiday Feature
Howard W. Blake’s Annual Holiday Dance Is More Than A Fundraiser
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
The Athletic Booster Club of Howard W. Blake High School hosts an annual social event for the Christmas season. This year, the Black & Gold Christmas Dance will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2015, 9 p. m. – 1 a. m. at the Tampa Letter Carriers Hall, 3003 W. Cypress St.
Even though it’s a major fundraiser for the Athletic Booster Club, the event is much more. Currently under the leadership of Laura Purtell, President, the dance started in the early 2000’s as an end-of-year social gathering for the Yellow Jacket commu- nity; and as a boost of confi- dence to the Athletic Booster Club and friends. Frances Cheeks Jennings, past pres- ident, is the Vice president to Ms. Purtell and Jesse Salters is the school’s Princi- pal.
Ms. Purtell has been in- volved with Blake for 9 years – since her children started there in the magnet program.
“My son played baseball and the baseball coach asked
LAURA PURTELL ...President, Howard W. Blake High School Athletic Booster Club
me to get involved. The booster club has been such a blessing to my life. That group has such a strong sense of community; it’s always about the kids. We keep emotions and politics out of it. It’s a good organization that’s trying to teach the kids the tradition and legacy of the school.”
Blake does not have a PTA, Ms. Purtell stated, that’s why, “we don’t only do for athletes – any student at the school that has a need. And, we give out scholarships.”
Over the years, the organi-
zation has grown and one of the goals is to unite the Yellow Jackets and celebrate the con- tinued legacy of Howard W. Blake High School.
Other goals of the Athletic Booster Club are: enhance and strongly support the athletic program at Blake; provide sup- port for any student and his/her family at Blake; form a cohesiveness between the alumni, administration, teach- ers, guidance, support staff and community; provide numerous outreach events throughout the school year; and provide scholarship to graduating sen- iors.
What Ms. Purtell would like to see is more alumni from the ‘new’ Blake High School at- tending the meeting and events “to carry on the legacy of these older members. Many of them have slowed down because of age. We’d love to have the younger alumni to join us,” she said.
For a small fee ($20), the community is invited to join the Athletic Booster Club of Howard W. Blake High School on Saturday evening. Door prizes and set-ups will be avail- able. All proceeds will go to the school’s Athletic Department.
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