the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, a movement is gaining momentum in Glen Rock, New Jersey, to honor one of its most distinguished hometown heroes, Tuskegee Airman Thomas L. Hawkins. A new petition seeks to rename Central Elementary School after Hawkins, who was one of the first Black pilots to serve in World War II.
Who Was Thomas L. Hawkins?
Hawkins, a Glen Rock native, was a flight leader in the legendary Tuskegee Airmen’s 332nd Fighter Group. He flew 28 missions before tragically perishing in a plane crash on March 7, 1945, at Ramitelli Airfield in Italy.
Hawkins’ contributions went beyond military service:
- He was awarded the Air Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster.
- He attended Ridgewood High School, where he excelled in track, football, and choir.
- He briefly attended Temple University’s School of Chiropody before enlisting in the Army Air Forces in 1943.
- He left behind his wife, Gloria, and his parents, William and Rebecca Hawkins.
His name is already etched on Glen Rock’s war memorial, but local residents believe he deserves even greater recognition.
The Push to Rename Central School
Bryan Jackson, a Glen Rock native now living in Albany, launched a petition to rename Central Elementary School as Thomas L. Hawkins Central School. Jackson, 73, hopes this will educate future generations about Hawkins’ contributions.
“Like many people in Glen Rock, I never realized Hawkins’ connection to our town or his legacy as a Tuskegee Airman,” Jackson said. “Given his role in desegregating the armed forces, naming the school after him seems fitting.”
As of this week, the petition has gained over 400 signatures from school alumni and town residents.
Will the Name Change Happen?
The Glen Rock Board of Education has acknowledged the petition and is reviewing the request. Board President Damali Robinson stated:
“We are conducting the appropriate due diligence to ensure the process is thoughtful and transparent. Once we have gathered enough information, we will put the item on an agenda for discussion.”
Supporters, including former school board member Jon Cole, emphasize that other Glen Rock schools are named after historical figures, such as:
- Richard E. Byrd School (named after the explorer who flew over the North Pole).
- Alexander Hamilton School (named for the Founding Father).
- Clara E. Coleman School (named for a former local educator).
Jackson plans to present the petition at the next Board of Education meeting on February 24. Supporters hope that keeping “Central” in the name alongside Hawkins’ will ease concerns about losing the school’s historical identity.
Preserving Hawkins’ Legacy
For many, renaming Central School isn’t just about honoring a war hero—it’s about ensuring future generations learn his story. The Tuskegee Airmen broke racial barriers in the military, and Hawkins’ sacrifice deserves a lasting tribute in the town he once called home.
What do you think? Should Glen Rock rename Central School in honor of Thomas L. Hawkins? Let us know in the comments!
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Do this 👏👍
Sounds like a great idea to honor one of our fallen soldiers. Perhaps blend the name with one of the other names to avoid displacing one in favor of the other?
This is a great idea and should be carried forward. As mentioned, it’s in alignment with other schools neing named after historical figures.
I whole heartedly agree! This is a wonderful idea. I grew up in Glen Rock and went to Central school.
“Thomas Hawkins Central School” It’s time!