The Cecil County Board of Education celebrated the legacy of one its former schools on February 10th when it rededicated the central office on Booth Street as the George Washington Carver Education Leadership Center. This facility, the county-wide high school for African-Americans in the era of segregated education, graduated its last class in June 1964.
The blast of strong winds and snow showers rattling the building on this special Sunday wasn’t able to put a freeze on the excitement at the ceremony. An overflow crowd of several hundred former students, friends, educators, and others eagerly looked on as Dr. Carl Roberts discussed the reason for rededicating the building while others recalled its history. This large turnout on this wintry Maryland Sunday and the conversations that filled the hallways afterwards as old friends rekindled memories and recalled past experiences spoke to the strong bonds that remains for George Washington Carver alumni and family.
A community’s history is important and it is essential that we preserve reminders of the past so we have context for understanding current events. Dr. Roberts, thank you working to make sure we don’t forget the times when the challenges at Mr. Caldwell’s schoolhouse were far different and for inviting me to make some remarks at the program.
Saturday afternoon, we attended a most informative and enjoyable program at the Henry Highland Garnett Elementary School in Chestertown sponsored by the Garnett High School Alumni. The theme of this year’s program was “the not so average man,” and it celebrated the memory of Elmer T. Hawkins, the school principal. A large assembly of alumni, former teachers, friends, and other interested individuals gathered to remember Mr. Hawkins.
He came to the Eastern Shore in 1926 to serve as a teacher/principal of the old Henry Highland Garnett High School and in 1950 he moved to the modern facility. Mr. Hawkins served as that institution’s principal until 1967, when the system was integrated and he was appointed principal of Chestertown Middle School. After proudly serving Kent County for 46 years and facing challenges that are hard to understand for the current generation, he retired in 1972 and passed away in 1973.
The program involved a rousing mix of signing, inspirational speaking, and remembrances by former students and faculty. As guests and speakers spoke, glowingly recalling experiences at the school, the gratitude everyone had for the tireless principal and faculty was obvious as was the close-knit relationship of this group. They didn’t have the best materials or facilities in the era of segregated education, but the faculty and principal compensated by working even harder to prepare their pupils for the challenges of the world and they did everything possible to make sure students excelled academically.
It was enlightening to hear about the challenges, the good times, and the lessons learned in the school and how those memories will never be forgotten by those privileged enough to have known and studied under the respected principal and his faculty. One can only think about how proud the distinguished educator must have been each year as his graduating seniors, ready for the challenes beyond the supportive halls of Garnett, walked across the stage to receive well-deserved diplomas.
Jane, Kyle, and I were so pleased that we had the opportunity to hear about this special man and attend the inspiring event. Many schools have strong alumni associations, but Henry Highland Garnett has a great one. Although it’s been over 40 years since teens completed the quick, fleeting journey through the halls of the school, the many valuable experiences, lessons and knowledge, and life-long friendships were obvious to us. Thank you for sharing these memories, for allowing us to learn about this respected educator, and for your hospitality. Our enjoyable experience on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Chestertown was the subject of our conversation on the drive back to Elkton, and they continued on Sunday morning. As the program said, Elmer T. Hawkins made society a better place to live.
The Henry Highland Garnett Alumni Committee in 2008
