Booker T graduates return to teach at the high school

TULSA, Okla. — Ellis Walker Woods, the first principal of Booker T Washington High School, intentionally hired graduates to come back and teach.

Over 100 years later, this legacy still lives on. 2 News’ Naomi Keitt met with three current educators who graduated from the prestigious high school.

Drama teacher Kaicee Mayo is thriving on the stage. 2 The news reached her on October 30, the day she taught students about the importance of raising the curtain.

“Just give them a chance to feel like a superstar,” Kaicee Mayo said.

It was on the same stage where she honed her love for acting.

“I got to Booker T, started doing musicals and plays here, and got my first starring role right here in this building, and ever since then I’ve been hooked,” Mayo said.

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She is one of dozens of employees who attended BTW High School and felt a mission to return.

“It’s family,” Mayo said. “It’s a community. It’s cooperation. I don’t feel like I’m going to work. I feel like I’m coming home.”

In this homecoming, Mayo sees some familiar faces, like computer science teacher Ramona Rogers, who was friends with her mom.

On October 30, Mrs. Rogers’ class worked on a new 3D printer. She said it was a perfect example of computer science, combining creativity and discovery. These are two things he likes to inspire in his students.

“If they learn these life lessons, they will be better prepared when they leave these walls,” Ramona Rogers said.

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For Rogers, the last three years of teaching at her alma mater have been filled with gratitude. Firstly, for being able to be involved in her student’s life, and secondly, for being a source of comfort and an open door, knowing exactly how many of these students feel because she once stepped into their shoes.

“You take pride in your school and your surroundings, but not only in the lives that you are exposed to, and you allow them to rise up and become what they are meant to be,” Rogers said.

2 News sat in the library as Rogers and Mayo looked through old yearbooks. The classes of 2006 and 1988 were introduced, and teachers say it’s a full-circle moment as they reflect on the young minds they now help shape.

“I think, hey, I walked the halls just like you,” Mayo said. “I was where you are. I had the same rigorous courses, the same ones you had. I fought too and I made it, and everything will be fine for you too.

Librarian Willow Hoxie pulled out her memories and had plenty of them. She is a proud member of the Booker T Washington Class of 2012.

“I loved spending time at Booker T,” Willow Hoxie said. “I was very involved. I was a member of the T Connection team for 4 years.”

Looking through her yearbook, Hoxie smiled as she remembered the band. As she nurtures the Booker T Library collections and helps preserve the school’s history, she is grateful that her years at Booker T were part of that legacy.

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GALLERY: Booker T graduates return to teach high school

“As a returning graduate, I think it’s very important to not only talk about what I’m doing here at the school, but also what I’ve done before and how that brought me here,” Hoxie said.

The road back to Booker T may take many forms, but for these teachers, there is no place they want to be.

“This is what I love,” Mayo said. “We are all truly a community and a family and that is the most important thing.”

According to Tulsa Public Schools, 28 Booker T graduates currently work at the high school.

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