Hawk, Brandon Lionel Hawkins Sr., is Parker’s School Resource Officer, or SRO. With a keen eye and a steady presence, he’s more than just the man patrolling campus, and keeping an eye on everything from the Webster entrance to the sidelines of Parker’s sporting events. With his bright yellow vest and approachable demeanor, Hawk is a beloved figure who embodies both the responsibility and the warmth of Parker’s security. Whether he’s waving hello to passing students or practicing his Spanish between lunch and pick-up, Hawk brings a unique blend of professionalism and personality to his role.
When asked about his typical day at Parker, Hawk shared, “I try to come in at least thirty minutes early. The first thing I do is grab a radio and check in with the other officers to see if there’s anything I should be aware of. In law enforcement, we call that roll call.” He went on to explain that his background in law enforcement has shaped his daily routine, giving him the structure he relies on to start his day with focus and purpose. “After that, I start my first patrol. I begin with a perimeter check around all of Parker’s buildings, then do an internal patrol, moving from the first floor up to the fourth. Once that’s done, I return to my temporary post. Later, I get ready for dismissals. For the first dismissal at 2:30 I help direct traffic and then I do the same for the next one at 4:30.”
Hawk stays on Parker’s campus until around 8:30 every night. “What I love about Parker is that it never sleeps. There’s always something happening,” he said. “The students never leave. It’s such a good environment that they just want to stay.” Hawk can often be found in the gyms, cafeteria, or library, adding, “I’m there just to let them know someone’s looking out for them.” By creating a friendly atmosphere and offering a sense of safety and support, Hawk makes it possible for students to stay after school and partake in their favorite activities.
Hawk distinguishes his role at Parker by stating, “I have a slightly different title that most people aren’t aware of. I’m not your average school security officer. I am an SRO, a School Resource Officer.” He explains that his training involves attending night courses focused on navigating the unique dynamics of a school environment. “Through observation and training, I learn how to effectively engage in this setting,” he adds. Hawk emphasizes, “I’m a resource to Parker and nothing more. I’m here to protect Parker, but I’m not here to police Parker.”
Hawk’s commitment to the students at Parker is evident in his belief that “Parker is a family, which requires a family attitude where everyone operates within the confines of the school.” He finds the most rewarding part of his job to be “seeing the students progress.” For Hawk, the highlight of the school year is graduation. “I attended my first graduation back in June. To see students going through the processes of life and learning, graduating is a good thing.” His dedication to creating a supportive environment reflects his genuine desire to see every student thrive and succeed.
Hawk reflects on the heartfelt experience of graduation, saying, “I talked to seniors this past graduation cycle who weren’t sure what they were going to do in life. But then on graduation day, I learned that that’s exactly what they’re doing. Graduation is the culmination of everything you do here at Parker. To see that unfold? To see them progress? I think about it every day.” He notes the pride he feels as he patrols the campus, checking the board on the second floor hallway adorned with flags of all the colleges. “Even though my name isn’t up there, it still makes me proud because I can truthfully say that I’ve met these students, and I know who they are,” he adds. “That’s inspiring. Even for an older person. It makes you feel that we’re in good hands.”
When asked what piece of advice he would offer to Parker students, Hawk shared, “Concentrate on the step and not the staircase. You know where I got that from? Parker. I wrote it down too. Because it’s true, okay? No matter how hard things seem, whether it’s coursework or family life, you still have dreams and aspirations, right? You might have to delay them, but never compromise them.”
Hawk is a figure who often flies under the radar but plays an essential role in Parker’s community. His commitment to keeping Parker safe is matched by his ability to motivate students every day. As he put it, “Parker inspires me. This is a powerful academic environment. For whatever reason, it inspires me and beckons me to bring books to work.” He finds joy in witnessing students tackle challenges in subjects like chemistry and math. “I really do like to see and hear the students struggle…because in June, they’re going to be standing on that podium graduating with everybody else with a job well done. Mission accomplished.”
