About William M. Raines
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William Marion Raines Senior High School
opened its doors at 3663 Clarkson Avenue in January of 1965 with a
flourish. From then until today, the school has been a leader in
education. Raines is the oldest historically black high school in
Duval County still in existence. The “2 Million Dollar School” as it
was called, was led by Dr. Andrew A. Robinson for the first years of
its existence. The colors cardinal red and silver gray were chosen
as the school colors and the Viking was chosen as the school’s
mascot. Raines was an all black-school until the desegregation
orders in 1971. After the court order, the faculty was integrated
and the following year the student body was integrated.
Raines was originally accredited in 1968, the
first school in Duval County to achieve accreditation. Raines was
reaccredited in 1978, 1988, 1998 and 2008 and was given glowing
compliments from the visiting boards.
Raines has been under the leadership of 10 principals: Dr. Andrew A. Robinson, Dr. Ezekial W. Bryant, Mr. Kernaa McFarlin, Mr. Ike James, Mr. Jimmie Johnson, Dr. Milton H. Threadcraft, Dr. Roy I. Mitchell, Mrs. Carol H. Daniels and Mrs. Nongongoma Majova-Seane, and Mr. George E. Maxey. All ten men and women have left their mark on the school and its students. Currently the Vikings are under the leadership of Mr. Tony Bellamy.
Raines became the county’s Science, Math and
Engineering Magnet School in 1990. This new focus was supported by
the addition of the Andrew A. Robinson Science wing in that same
year. Raines received its first ninth grade students as a part of
the magnet program and additional personnel and programs have been
added to help these students make the adjustment to high school.
Though the school is only forty six years
old, our outstanding achievements up to this point have been
numerous. Our faculty and staff have been major contributors to the
success of our students. Together, we have excelled in all facets of
our school and community life. Academic accomplishments have brought
us much acclaim as we make our mark in academic competitions
throughout the nation. Many of our students have gone on to attend
college, universities and prestigious professional schools.
Outstanding athletes have also brought us
fame on both the school and professional levels. Approximately 35
athletes have gone on to join professional teams. Raines has
continued to live up to its reputation for excellence in the area of
athletics. The varsity boy’s basketball team won the state
championship in 1991, 2003 & 2004. Our boy’s track and football
teams have also won state championships in 1997 & 1998. The varsity
football team is the only public high school in Duval County to earn
a state championship. Most recently, our girls track team won back
to back state championships in 2008 and 2009, the first state titles
for a female sport at Raines.
Our musical programs have also been
successful. The chorus and band programs have consistently taken
home first place trophies and received superior ratings at the
district and state level. A full time dance program was added to
Raines in the fall of 2010. Raines is proud to announce the addition
of our Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPAA) which will be begin
fall 2011. The VPAA will finish the circle of a complete fine
arts program.
Built on a rich tradition of pride and
excellence, Raines has managed to maintain its traditions. As we
press forward into the 21st century, Raines continues to
be a school which is dedicated to its founding motto:
“ICHI BAN ! ”
