Booker T. Washington High School Surprised With First String Donation

On Friday, December 19, Booker T. Washington High School in Houston, Texas, received a surprise that will leave a lasting impact on its student-athletes for years to come. Leading Birmingham-based athleisure and footwear retailer Hibbett, in partnership with Nike, awarded the school a $50,000 First String donation, supporting both the Boys and Girls Golden Eagles basketball teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Each program received $25,000, providing much-needed resources to enhance training, competition, and overall team development. The presentation took place in the school’s auditorium, turning an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of hard work, perseverance, and community investment.

Booker T. Washington High School is one of only four schools nationwide selected for the First String award in 2025. Launched in 2024, First String is a philanthropic initiative created by Hibbett and Nike to positively impact student-athletes both on and off the court in communities Hibbett proudly serves.

But First String goes beyond a single moment or season. As part of the program, one male and one female student-athlete from Booker T. Washington High School will be selected in spring 2026 as First String Scholarship recipients, earning $5,000 per year for four years to support their collegiate journey. Scholarship recipients will also be eligible for the Hibbett x Nike connected internship program, opening doors to mentorship, career development, and real-world experience beyond athletics.

“We’re proud to stand alongside our partners at Nike and invest in outstanding athletic programs like Booker T. Washington High School, while making a positive impact in our community,” said Sarah Sharp-Wangaard, Vice President of Marketing at Hibbett. “As a First String donation recipient, the Golden Eagles will gain much-needed resources to support these remarkable student-athletes throughout the upcoming season and beyond as they become future leaders.”

At its core, First String reflects a shared belief between Hibbett and Nike: that true success isn’t measured only by wins on the scoreboard, but by the confidence, opportunity, and support given to young people as they grow.

Booker T. Washington High School, known for its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and preparing students for a rapidly changing world, embodies everything the First String program was designed to uplift. The Golden Eagles’ basketball teams now step into their season backed not only by their talent and determination, but by a community invested in their future.

With initiatives like First String, Hibbett and Nike continue to show that when you invest in student-athletes, you’re investing in the next generation of leaders — on the court, in the classroom, and beyond.