Howard W. Blake

 Howard W. Blake was born in Tampa, Florida.  The only child of Mr. Brown Wesley Blake and Mrs. Pearl Miles Blake, he attended elementary schools in Manatee County where his father was a merchant farmer.  He began his high school education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College, now known as Florida A&M University (FAMU) High.  An athletic scholarship at Claflin University enabled him to complete both high school and college.  He received his Masters Degree in Education at Atlanta University. 

             His outstanding career as a college athlete and high school coach became the basis of his deep belief that good sportsmanship and teamwork were significant in the development of young people for effective citizenship.  He began his teaching career as a coach at Stevens High School in the quaint town of Quincy, Florida.  He was one of the original organizers of the Florida High School Athletic Association.   Mr. Blake often referred with great pride to many of the health and physical education teachers in the state whom he had the pleasure of teaching as youngsters. 

He came to the Hillsborough County School System as Principal of Booker T. Washington High School – where he served for twenty-one years.  In November 1953, he received a citation from his associate principals for twenty years of outstanding service to the schools of Hillsborough County.

             In addition to his professional affiliations, Howard W. Blake was active in civic, business and community affairs.  He was a faithful member of Tyer Temple Methodist Church.  His Fraternal membership included the Prince Hall Affiliated Masons as member of Jerusalem Lodge # 100, Prince Hall Affiliated Shriners as a member of Harram Temple #23 A.E.A.O.N.M.S. , Bay City Elks Lodge and president of Eta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma.

             Howard W. Blake was ever aware of his responsibilities and duties to the constructive growth of his community.  He continuously maintained an abiding faith in the youth of Tampa and gave them his very best in faithful and conscientious service.   His entire life was geared toward guiding them to their optimal educational and vocational potential.  The sincerity of all his efforts was reflected in the quite unassuming manner in which he worked with people.

            His Memory has been preserved by the citizens of Tampa and the Hillsborough County School Board by re-erecting a High School in his name sake, The Howard W. Blake Senior High School.

                  Howard W. Blake passed to that undiscovered country on March 23, 1954.