Class of 2026 Dedicates Yearbook to Ben Hawkins

The Senior Class dedicated this year’s edition of “Ye Dial,” the Rutgers Preparatory School yearbook, to Ben Hawkins, Upper School teacher, adviser, and assistant cross country coach, who's better known to many students as “The Hawk.”

At Upper School Morning Meeting on May 12, seniors in Mr. Hawkins’ advisory spoke about the impact he has had on their class since their freshman year. They described him as a teacher who made learning fun, engaging, and meaningful, and as someone who made students feel welcome in his classroom whether they were in his advisory or not.

Students also thanked Mr. Hawkins for the care he has shown as an adviser. They said he helped bring their group together over four years, turning a room of students who began high school as strangers into something that felt like a second family.

“His classroom was a comforting space where we made memories that will last a lifetime,” said Sharaya Soni '26.

They also spoke about his work as an assistant cross country coach and the encouragement he has given to runners, especially those who needed help finding confidence in themselves.

Congratulations to Mr. Hawkins for this very much deserved honor.

Watch the Ceremony: