Braulio Alonso

Braulio Alonso (December 16, 1916 – June 5, 2010) was an American high school and junior high school teacher and principal. He served as the first Hispanic president of the National Education Association.

Early life Alonso was born in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida on December 16, 1916. His parents were both cigar makers in Ybor City and members of the Centro Asturiano social club. His first language was Spanish.

Braulio went to work at the age of 10 in order to help support his family. He graduated from Hillsborough High School as valedictorian in 1935. He graduated from the University of Tampa, also as valedictorian, in 1939.

Braulio married Adelfa (Bebe) Diaz, an elementary school educator, in August 1941. They had two children.

Military service Braulio entered the US Army in October 1941. He entered as a private and was immediately sent to Officer 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. In 1968 masses of Florida teachers resigned in protest over budget cuts. Braulio ended his teaching career by resigning as principal of King High School in solidarity with the teachers. The county refused to rehire him after the protest. He retired his post at the NEA in 1983.

In 2001, Braulio Alonso High School was opened in honor of Dr. Alonso.