In 1912, the first formal school for African American children was established at Knights of Pythias Hall with Emma Edwina Booker as principal.
In 1923, the Knights of Pythias Hall School celebrated its first graduating class with a notable staff - Aravia Benton Johnson, Lucinda Wiggins and Mayme Williams Faulk.
In 1946, Roland W. Rogers became principal of Booker School, known for his strict discipline and emphasis on cleanliness.
In 1954, Mamie Baker Young established Sarasota’s first Special Education Department.
