Since 1950, 14 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) have paid tribute to influential African Americans who have made significant contributions to their communities, both locally and beyond. These schools bear the names of notable figures such as local educator Mary G. Porter and civil rights activists, Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., celebrating their enduring legacy and impact. Below, you’ll find a list of these schools:
Covington-Harper Elementary, which opened in 2017, was named in honor of John Harper, a pioneering community leader, county employee, and the first African American member of the Prince William County School Board. He is also a Vietnam War veteran and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years. The school also recognizes Betty Covington, a longtime PWCS teacher, principal, and school board member.
Ellis Elementary opened in 2004. The school was named after Suella Gilbert Ellis, a former Prince William County educator. She was also the first African American woman appointed to an administrative position in Prince William County Public Schools.
Fitzgerald Elementary opened in 2008. The school was named after Fannie W. Fitzgerald, one of the first African American teachers to integrate Prince William County Public Schools. After 35 years of outstanding service, Fitzgerald retired in June of 1988. She continued to volunteer and serve the children of Prince William County in numerous ways.
Gravely Elementary opened in 2008 and was named after Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. He was the first African American to command a Naval fleet and the Navy’s first African American Admiral. Admiral Gravely was a resident of Haymarket.
King Elementary, established in 1981, was named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King was a prominent social activist and Baptist minister who significantly influenced the Civil Rights Movement from the mid-1950's until his tragic assassination in 1968. He is renowned for his commitment to nonviolent protests and his leadership in pivotal events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1963 March on Washington.
Marshall Elementary, established in 1994, was named in honor of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice. He is renowned for arguing the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education, which effectively ended segregation in public schools.
Rosa Parks Elementary, established in 2006, was named after civil rights activist, Rosa Parks. Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a public bus in 1955 sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama. This pivotal event became the spark that ignited the Civil Rights Movement.
Penn Elementary opened in 1998 and was named after Sonnie P. Penn, a former assistant principal at Enterprise Elementary School, community youth leader, and mentor.
Porter Traditional School opened its doors in 2004 and was named after Mary G. Porter, a local educator who began her career as a first-grade teacher in a three-room elementary school in Dumfries. Porter was also one of the first African American teachers to integrate Prince William County Public Schools.
Mary Williams Elementary opened in 2004 and was named after Mary F. Williams, a Prince William County teacher of 19 years, and Prince William County School Board member for the Neabsco District. During her time on the School Board, Williams established a reputation for dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the education of young people in Prince William County.
Washington-Reid opened in 1950 and was named after two prominent African American women, Marion Washington and Marjorie Reid, who owned the land the school was built on. Washington was an advocate for school-aged children and Reid donated the land adjoining Washington’s property.
Formerly known as Godwin Middle School, the school was renamed Hampton Middle in 2016 after retired U.S. Army officer and community leader, Dr. George M. Hampton.
Unity Braxton Middle, formerly known as Stonewall Jackson Middle School, was renamed in 2020 after Celestine and Carroll Braxton. Celestine taught for 33 years in Prince William County Public Schools and was one of a second wave of African American teachers to integrate local public schools. Carroll Braxton is a retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant and was one of the first African American U.S. Marines. Braxton is a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He is also a Congressional Gold Medal recipient.
Unity Reed High, formerly known as Stonewall Jackson High School, was renamed in 2020 after Arthur Reed, a longtime security assistant at the school. Reed was an Army veteran and a retired Drug Enforcement Administration officer who spent the final 13 years of his life working as a security guard at the school. He was a favorite amongst the students.