Meet "SHAKE" Washington
I was born in Tampa and I am proud to be a product of Hillsborough County Public Schools in District 5. As a student, I began my education at Meacham Elementary School, continue to Booker T. Washington Junior High School and then unto the original Middleton High School. While at Middleton, I was a student athlete excelling in football, basketball, track and baseball.
My college career was aided by a football scholarship to Kentucky State University. My 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 career in education was as a 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 Reserves and the Florida National Guard. I served in various maintenance, signal, and engineering units – eventually retiring from military service as a First Sergeant after 22 years.
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My 42-year career with the Hillsborough County Public Schools began as an Assistant Teacher at Booker T Washington Elementary School the same school that I 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 return to Chamberlain High School when I was appointed Principal. For five years, I was recognized as Principal of the Year. Once again. I return to my roots when I was appointed as the first Principal of the new Middleton High School. Continued challenges awaited me during my 12-year period as an Area Director and finally as an Area Superintendent.
My “active” Educational career ended upon my retirement from Hillsborough County Public Schools after 42 years.
For my entire life I have been actively involved in my community. My community involvement has included many years of service in my church as a Trustee, a member of the Men’s Usher Board and most rewarding as an active participant in the Youth Mentoring Program.
I am an active Lifetime Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., The NAACP, Hillsborough County Black Caucus, Tampa Bay Legends, 100 Black Men, HASA, The Urban League of Hillsborough County, and The Legends Club of Former Athletes and Coaches.
In 2020, I was elected to the Hillsborough County School Board, representing District 5, and elected as the Board’s Vice-Chair for two consecutive years.
During my career, I have been supported by Cheryl B. Washington, my wife of 42 years and my wonderful mother-in-law Hattie White. We are the proud parents of Henry Washington, Jr. (husband of Ivy), and Dr. JaMia Washington - both successful products of Hillsborough County Public Schools. My wife and I are also blessed with four wonderful grandchildren: Zoi, Destini, Zion, and Skye.