Booker High School honors former principal’s legacy

A painting of Dr. Rachel Shelley will hang permanently on campus.

By Ed James III

Original Air Date: Nov. 5, 2026

Host: On October 30, Booker High School hosted a portrait unveiling for former Principal Dr. Rachel Shelley. WSLR reporter Ed James III has the details.

Ed James III: Students, faculty, alumni and community members gathered inside the BPAC Auditorium on October 30 at 3:00 p.m. for the unveiling. The event’s theme:  “Honoring a Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Impact.”

Dr. Shelley’s portrait. | Photos courtesy Jimmy Glover

Dr. Rachel Shelley worked in Sarasota County schools for 34 years. She served as principal of Booker High School from 2011 up until her recent retirement this spring. 

During her tenure at Booker High School, she received multiple honors, including Florida Principal of the Year (2017), Florida Association of Secondary School Principals Principal of the Year (2018), Florida Arts Education Principal of the Year (2019) and a Key to the City of Sarasota. 

All this was etched in history last week. The official portrait was created by local artist and 2006 Booker High School graduate Clifford McDonald.

Dr. Rachel Shelley and Clifford McDonald

Clifford McDonald: For her to reach out to me made me feel like it was meant to be. Growing up, looking at those portraits on the wall, I was always inspired by those art pieces, but I never thought I would have my own artwork go up on that wall. It was really a great experience and something I was extremely honored to be able to do—to be a part of Dr. Shelley’s legacy at Booker High School.

EJ: The portrait will hang permanently on the Booker High School campus.

Reporting for WSLR 96.5 FM News, I’m Ed James III.

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