Following the retirement of 10th grade Assistant Principal Gregory Bargeman, Kendric Hawkins has returned to Jackson-Reed to take over the role. As a former JR staff member, Hawkins is excited to be back, hoping to build on Bargeman’s contributions, and make a positive impact.
During his nine years at JR, Hawkins served as a health teacher, dean, and assistant principal. He also coordinated after school activities and even coached alongside head varsity boys’ basketball coach David Johnson.
Hawkins was born in DC and raised in Maryland where he attended Dematha High School. He continued his education at the University of Buffalo on a football scholarship. Later, he found his passion for education and earned his masters degree in education administration at Trinity College. Hawkins said that “growing up [he] had no interest in education,” but has been a committed educator ever since subbing at Maya Angelou Public Charter School.
At Maya Angelou, he played a significant role in starting their football program. Hawkins pinpointed this milestone as “extremely impactful” in his career because it gives “less fortunate kids an opportunity to play and excel.”
Hawkins said that watching his students walk across the stage to graduate were moments he would never forget.
Hawkins left JR in 2022 because it was “time for me to get out of my comfort zone.” Hawkins went to Oyster Adams (OA) School, a K-8 bilingual school and one of JR’s middle school feeders, and became an assistant principal. When reflecting on his time at OA, Hawkins said that “OA was my greatest challenge because of the language barrier,” but he still found ways to connect with students. Hawkins also highlighted the unfamiliarity and difficulty in teaching younger students.
Despite the challenges, Hawkins said that “it’s bittersweet leaving OA.” On returning to JR, he continued: “The sweet part is going back to somewhere I consider home.”
Despite stepping into a new job in the middle of the school year, Hawkins is excited about his return. “I want to keep the momentum going that Bargeman has established with the 10th grade team,” he said. Hawkins is focused on taking the time to get to know all his students and team. Principal Sah Brown is eager for Hawkins’ return and said that his past time at JR is a huge advantage because “he’s worked here before and is familiar with our school community.”
