Candidate: Henry "Shake" Washington

Henry “Shake” Washington

Biography

I was born in Tampa and am proud to be a product of the Hillsborough County School System. As a student, I began my education at Meacham Elementary School, continued through B. T. Washington Junior High School, and finally graduation from the original Middleton High School. While at Middleton, I was a student-athlete participating in football, basketball, track, and baseball.

My college career was aided by a football scholarship from Kentucky State University. College years were interrupted by active service with the U. S. Army. I later graduated with a degree in education from the University of Southwest Louisiana. My choice of a career in education was the result of my personal observation of the positive effects of leadership, teamwork, and dedication that can be gained from a combination of academics and athletics. Later, I earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

My professional career as an educator was in parallel with my continued service in the U. S. Army Reserve and the Florida National Guard. I served in various maintenance, signal, and engineering units - eventually retiring from military service as a 1stSergeant after 22 years.

My 42 year career with the Hillsborough County School System began as an assistant teacher at B. T. Washington Elementary School – the same school that I had attended as a student many years before. I continued as a teacher / coach at Turkey Creek Junior High School and King High School. During these years, I was honored to be selected as Coach of the Year.

I moved from the classroom to school administration as an Assistant Principal at McLane Junior High School, Chamberlain High School, and Brandon High School. I returned to Chamberlain High School when I was appointed as principal. For five years, I was recognized as Principal of the Year. Once again I returned to my roots when I was appointed as the first principal of the new Middleton High School. Continued challenges awaited me when I began a 12 years period; first as an Area Director and finally as an Area Superintendent. My educational career finally ended upon my retirement from this school system after 42 years.

My community involvement has included many years of service in my church as a trustee, a member of the men’s ushers’ board, and a most rewarding period as an active participant in the youth mentoring program. I have also been active in the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, the NAACP, and the Legends Club of former athletes and coaches.

During my career, I have been supported by Cheryl B. Washington, my wife of 37 years and my wonderful mother-in-law Hattie White. We are the proud parents of Henry Washington, Jr. (husband of Ivy), and JaMia Washington – both successful products of Hillsborough County Schools. My wife and I are also now blessed with four wonderful grandchildren:  Zoi, Destini, Zion, and Skye.