Sign Replaced At Renamed Naomi L. Brooks Elementary In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The sign at Matthew Maury Elementary School was changed Tuesday in preparation for the renaming as Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School. The same will be down at T.C. Williams High School Wednesday ahead of the renaming as Alexandria City High School.

The school board previously voted to rename the two schools, effective July 1 in time for the next school year. Matthew Maury Elementary was named for the pioneer of oceanography who also served in the Confederate Navy. The new name honors the late Naomi Brooks, who grew up attending Alexandria schools and taught at Charles Houston Elementary School and later at Cora Kelly Elementary School. Brooks married Maj. Gen. Leo A. Brooks, Sr., they have two children also with distinguished military careers — Gen. Vincent K. Brooks and Brig. Gen. Leo A. Brooks Jr. Their other child, Marquita K. Brooks, is an attorney. Naomi Brooks died in 2020.

Alexandria City Public Schools officials gathered to celebrate the name change on the school sign Tuesday. Joining officials were Gen. Leo A. Brooks, Sr. and students attending the school.

"This day indeed is a day to remember," said Brooks. "It is a day of emotions, a day of some sad and some joyful history, and the day that I pray will be the inspiration for many of you who are standing here...to grow up to be like her."

The new school name also comes with a new mascot and colors: the Naomi L. Brooks Bees with blue and green colors. Principal Suzanne Hess said the Bees mascot was selected to honor Brooks' loves for plants and gardens.

"You all are being a part of history today," Superintendent Gregory Hutchings told students gathered in front of the school. "You get to witness something that a lot of students never get to see: a changing of their school name. So just think, you started this year off at Matthew Maury Elementary. This name now as of today will become Naomi L. Brooks and you all are part of this history too."