Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 8-12-22

FLORIDA SENTINEL FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022
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Welcome Reception Held For Blake’s New Principal
More than 100 H. W. Blake alumni, boosters and friends of Yel- low Jackets adorned in their trade- mark Black and Gold, assembled in the school cafeteria on July 21, 2022 to welcome new principal, Ms. Va- lerie Newton.
Booster and committee member Edith Randolph opened the pro- gram by thanking attendees for their longstanding commitment and sup-
port of the school, students and the West Tampa community. Dr. Car- olyn Collins, followed with a histor- ical overview of how and why Blake evolved from Don Thompson to its current location. She also acknowl- edged the efforts of the late Ran- dolph Kinsey, Flora Dawson, Warren family and countless others for ensuring that Blake is and remains one of the flagship schools in Tampa.
Reverend Dr. C. T. Kirkland, pas- tor, Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, gave heartfelt words of en- couragement to Ms. Newton. Hills- borough County Schools administrator, Alva Simmons gave greetings on behalf of Superintendent Addison Davis and Area Director Owen Young.
The program closed with Booster Club president Frances Jennings
explaining the critical role alumni, boosters and friends play with assist- ing students who may be experiencing hardships. The next Booster club meeting will be held on August 11th at 5:00pm in the cafeteria and the entire community is encouraged to attend. The immediate goal of the group is to diversify and grow the group in all areas including age, race and gender. (Photographs by Ricky Roberts)
Wanda Seigel was captured at the event with Chairman Frances Jennings.
Members of the Howard W. Blake High Boosters Club: Rudene Igles, Sr., Mamie C. Igles, Edith Randolph, Frances Jennings, Chairman; Gwendolyn Williams, Alva Simmons and Sylvia Salter.
Howard W. Blake High School wel- comes new Principal, Valerie Newton.
The Invocation and Words of En- couragement were given to Principal Newton by Rev. Dr. C. T. Kirkland, Pas- tor, Mt. Pleasant M. B. Church.
Hillsborough County Schools Ad- ministrator Alva Simmons and Principal Valerie Newton.
Carolyn Holmes, Sadie Perry and Ruby King.
LaShawn Huff gave welcoming com- ments.
Edith Randolph, Miss Blake High of 1970, Mistress of Ceremony, was among those who gave special welcome mes- sages to the new principal.
The History of H. W. Blake High School was presented by Dr. Carolyn H. Collins.
Martha McFarlane and Principal Va- lerie Newton.
Rudene and Mamie C. Igles, Sr. gave closing remarks and the School Song was led by Rudene Igles, Sr.
Former Blake Yellow Jackets: Chloe Coney, Edith Randolph, Sylvia Salter, Frances Jennings, Gwendolyn Williams, Mamie C. Igles, Rudene Igles, Sr.`
Principal Valerie Newton, H. W. Blake High School staff and guests.