By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
After more than 55 years as a teacher, educator, mentor and administrator in Hillsborough County, Sylvia Cantrell Albritton is still giving back. Now retired and living in Wimauma, the former South Tampa resident remains deeply committed to serving others through volunteerism, mentorship and community leadership.
“Throughout her career, she devoted her life to helping students, supporting families, mentoring future educators and strengthening communities,” said retired Army Col. Sunny Ko Mitchell, who knew Albritton as principal of Robinson High School when she was a student there from 1992 to 1995. “She didn't just change lives, she continues to save them.”
Steve Bass’ recent Facebook post underscores her influence.
“Mrs. Albritton wouldn’t let me fail. She made sure I graduated so I could go into the military,” he wrote. “I’m so thankful she never gave up on me. Every success
I have today is because long ago, when I was a knucklehead teen, my principal refused to give up on me….”
After 35 years with Hillsborough County Public Schools, where she impacted thousands of students, teachers and other educators, Albritton shifted her focus to incarcerated youth. She taught English to 165 boys at a drug rehab center in Tampa for 3½ years, then served eight years as lead teacher of multiple subjects to teens adjudicated as adults in Hillsborough County jails.
“I always wanted to teach and loved it,” Albritton said. “I enjoyed the challenge. It was exciting when kids picked up on things and I saw the light bulb go on.”
In 2015, she was called to work with teachers earning their master’s degrees through the University of Tampa’s graduate program. Her retirement in 2023 began yet another chapter of service.
Albritton, 77, now fills her days with a wide range of community service, including working every eight days as a volunteer for the Sun City Center Emergency Squad.
“Sylvia is such a great asset to the squad,” said Cricket Fraser, director of dispatch training. “She was a great dispatcher until, at our request, she became a front desk receptionist, where she greets visitors, assists them and answers our phones. She’s an elegant lady, and she handles calls with calm and kindness. I’m privileged to know her.”
Others who serve with her agree.
“Sylvia’s delightful. We all love her,” said Dorothy DeCoux, captain of Team 8. “She’s a genuinely good human being, a joy to work with. She’s a great fit at the front desk.”
Albritton’s volunteerism also includes giving back to the community by mentoring and supporting students and educators at Aquilla J. Morgan High School and Wimauma Elementary School.
Invited to read to 5th graders at the latter during Black History Month in February, she wrote her own book, “Don’t Call Me Bro,” to encourage them to be proud of their names and heritage — to stand tall.
A longtime advocate for technical education, Albritton connected with the high school’s cosmetology class teacher and then formed a group of eight local women willing to let students practice their skills with them rather than on mannequins.
She’s currently working on a scholarship and scholarship application program for students in need at Morgan who aspire to go to technical school — and also on the high school’s new drama program.
Albritton still actively serves on the following boards: Hillsborough County Public Schools Human Trafficking Committee; Fostering Hearts Florida; Valencia Lakes African and Latino Heritage Club; and West University and Seminole Heights charter high schools. Her awards and accolades span a lifetime of service.
Five years ago, Bass proposed his former principal be nominated to have what is now Dorothy York Innovation Academy in Apollo Beach named after her. He, Mitchell and other former students, along with teachers and supporters, have pushed for the same goal for new schools in South Tampa, Plant City and Wimauma. This year, they hope their efforts will finally pay off with the naming of the new Middle School VV, scheduled to open in Wimauma in 2027.
“What makes her story so inspiring is that service isn't simply something she did during her career — it's who she is,” Mitchell said. “She continues investing her time, knowledge and heart into helping others, expecting nothing in return.
“Her story isn't simply one of an accomplished educator,” she continued. “It's the story of a servant leader whose life mission has always been helping others and whose legacy continues to grow through her unwavering commitment to the people she serves.”