Bergen school renamed after WWII Tuskegee airman Thomas L. Hawkins
Supporters of the change say the renaming honors Hawkins' heroic military service and his lasting impact on the local community.
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Central Elementary School in Glen Rock is getting a new name to honor a former student who made history as a member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.
The school will now officially be known as the Thomas L. Hawkins Central Elementary School. Supporters of the change say the renaming honors Hawkins’ heroic military service and his lasting impact on the local community.
Hawkins’ journey into military history began on March 17, 1943, when he enlisted in the Army Air Forces. He entered a trailblazing program ordered directly by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which was established despite fierce objections from his top military generals.
The program’s goal was to train Black men to fly and maintain combat aircraft. At the time, this was a revolutionary and highly controversial concept for a country that was still deeply segregated, particularly in the American South, where much of the flight training took place.
Hawkins successfully completed his training and joined the ranks of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, breaking racial barriers while serving his country during World War II.
By placing his name on his former elementary school, local officials hope to give current and future students a daily reminder of a hometown hero who helped shape American history.
