Educational Empowerment and Booker T. Washington
Booker T Washington, a true pioneer in education, took the reins of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in 1881. His focus on combining trades and academics was revolutionary for the time. The students even participated in the construction of the school, making education an interdisciplinary process. This learning style is a model that our schools today could greatly benefit from, as demonstrated by the innovative approach of Booker T. Washington High School and The High School for Engineering Professions. This Houston school focuses on STEAM/STEM education with an interdisciplinary approach that uses science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Created in 1974, The High School for Engineering Professions, located on the campus, was one of the city’s first magnet programs.
Imagine presenting education to a student in a subject that genuinely excites them. In this scenario, learning becomes a joyous journey, and school transforms into a place of fun and exploration. This is the transformative power of magnet school programs, a concept that has revolutionized the way we approach education. It offers a promising future for our students, where learning is not a chore but a source of joy and discovery.
The principal of the Booker T Washington School is Dr. Phillips. His philosophy is “to believe in the abundant opportunities that await each child that he comes in contact with daily and promote each child’s confidence level, morale, and academic abilities so that they can be equipped with the fundamental skills of basic intelligence, character, perseverance, and vigor. These essential skills are vital to help develop future men and women who will also contribute the same or greater service through their community living by collaboratively working with one another with genuine effort to continue to protect and enrich the lives of our most precious gems; our children.”
When Booker T Washington High School decided to create the space and a place to have a monumental sculpture of Booker T Washington placed on the campus property, there was much anticipation, excitement, and honor. Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon appreciated the subject and what he stands for in the scope of education. This monumental sculpture of Booker T Washington, a great man in the history of education, holds a significant place on this school campus, symbolizing the school’s unwavering commitment to his educational principles and its rich educational heritage, ensuring the continuity of his legacy.
Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon and her team hope to share the excitement and inspiration of Booker T. Washington further. The bronze sculpture is a limited edition of ten. The artist is now searching for other locations to place this great legend. They offer the opportunity for others to enrich their school, park, or company with this iconic figure.