Drew-Freeman Middle School History
|
Dr. Jesse Freeman, Jr. Dr. Charles Drew
|
|
Built in
1960, Drew Freeman Middle School was formerly named Francis Scott Key Junior High School. In 1995, the school was relocated to LaReine High School, a former all girls’ catholic school.
When the former principal of Francis Scott Key, Dr. Jesse L. Freeman Jr. died
in 1994, the staff wanted to rename the school after him. Dr. Freeman had
been instrumental in the implementation of a Science, Mathematics, and Technology
center at Francis Scott Key and several other schools in the county.
Dr. Charles
Drew was a Washington, D.C. native who developed his passion for medicine
after his sister died from pandemic influenza. He improved techniques for
blood storage, transfusions, developed large-scale blood banks during World War
II, and spoke out against racial segregation in blood donations. Dr. Drew was one
of a few African-American surgeons during that time. He was also an active
member of Omega Psi
Phi Fraternity Inc.
In order to honor the legacy of both Dr. Freeman and Dr. Drew, Prince George's County Public Schools decided to rename the school Drew Freeman.