About Dr. Braulio Alonso

Dr. Braulio Alonso was born in Ybor City on December 16, 1916. His mother was the daughter of Spanish immigrants. His first language was Spanish. Dr. Braulio Alonso graduated from Hillsborough High School as a valedictorian in 1935. He graduated from the University of Tampa, also as a valedictorian in 1939. Dr. Braulio Alonso worked to help support his family since he was 10 years old. His parents were cigar makers who left home before dawn and returned at dusk. Dr. Alonso was responsible for taking care of his two sisters, cooking and laundry for the family.

Dr. Alonso became a chemistry and physics teacher at Plant High School. He married Adelfa (Bebe) Diaz in August 1941 and entered the US Army in October 1941. He entered as a private and was immediately sent to Officers Candidate School. Dr. Alonso served with the 85th Infantry Division in North Africa and the Italian Campaign as Battery Commander in the 328th Artillery Battalion. He was in the first group of allied officers to enter Rome. Major Alonso was discharged in November 1945. He received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart with Cluster. Dr. Alonso returned to public education as director of Adult Education and Onthe-Job Training for Veterans. He pioneers the present-day Adult High School. He served as Director of this office from 1946 to 1953. During the summers, he attended the University of Florida where he earned a Master's and Ph.D. At the time, he was also providing for the college education of his two sisters, as well as supporting his family.

His next assignment was principal of West Tampa Junior High School (1952-1958), Jefferson High School (1958-1962) and King High School (1962-1968). All three schools grew in excellence under his tenure.

One of Dr. Alonso lifelong passions has been to improve the schools and champion the teachers. In pursuit of that mission, he served as president of the Hillsborough Education Association (1951-1956) and then as President of the Florida Education Association in 1957. He is especially proud of his role as one of the educators who contributed toward desegregating the FEA. Following that presidency, he served on the Board of Directors of the National Education Association (1958-1964). He was elected president of the National Education Association in 1966.

Our Mascot - Ravens

Our mascot was selected through a process that involved the students scheduled to attend Alonso High School when we opened our doors in the fall of 2001. A variety of other mascots were suggested, but the Raven received the overwhelming majority of the students’ approval. The characteristics we desired of our mascot were intelligence, loyalty, tenacity, and unity in addition to being unique and unlike any other area high school.

Our Colors - Navy, White and Touch of Gold

These colors were selected because of their compatibility with our mascot. The darkest of blues, navy, represents the combination of the Raven’s feathers and sky. The white represents the clarity of the Raven’s vision and the touch of gold represents the Raven’s soaring toward the sun. These colors exhibit dignity and are accessible for students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members to wear.

Alma Mater

On the west of Hillsborough County,
Sparkling beneath Florida’s warm sunshine,
Stately in her natural splendor,
Our Alma Mater proudly stands.

Alonso High School, we all love you,
Fondest memories cling to thee.
We shall bear your spirit forever,
Loyal friends we will always be.

Navy and Gold with blazon white,
With praise our voices ring.
Our colors bright, our souls delight,
With joy all Ravens sing.