PGCPS Hall of Fame Member Past Master Robert Gaskin

On Friday, October 27th 2023, at the fabulous MGM National Harbor Grand Ballroom, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Hall of Fame Gala by The Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS.

The venue was filled with numerous dignitaries from the state in attendance, including Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Bowie Mayor Tim Adams, and other local elected officials. The climax of the night was the induction of the Hall of Fame nominees, which included alumni of PGCPS like the late Jim Henson -Distinguished Professional Award, Councilman Edward Burroughs III - Distinguished Young Leader and Kyle Arrington -Distinguished Athlete.

For me personally, I was excited to see my nominee Kyle Arrington, (brother to Kara Arrington of Marjorie T. Lancaster No. 84), get inducted into the distinguished hall of fame, but my heart burst with joy when Bee Hive Lodge No. 66’s very own Past Master Robert Gaskin was inducted for Distinguished Educator.

Past Master Gaskin was born, raised, and educated in St. Mary’s County, and attended college at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), with a degree in Industrial Arts Education.

After college, Gaskin embarked on what would be a 48-year career in the Prince George’s County Public School System. He took on roles at middle and high school levels like Counselor, Vice Principal and Principal. He found his niche in Human Resources, where he would be a Recruitment Officer, Director of Staffing and ultimately the Chief of Human Resources before retiring in 2017. Gaskin helped to recruit a young Monica Goldson, who would become the Chief Executive Officer of PGCPS.

His innovative recruitment strategies, such as utilizing the “RV” or Recruitment Vehicle, allowed him to travel nationally to recruit from universities, particularly HBCUs. Gaskin and his team would be on the road from February until May.

He further expanded his reach by traveling internationally to hire over 1,000 certified teachers.

Gaskin’s leadership embodied respect, inclusion, diversity, and excellence. He spearheaded initiatives like the “Grow-Your-Own” program, Resident Teachers, Future Educators of America, Men in Education, Retire-to-Rehire program, and increased the number of bilingual educators.

PM Gaskin’s introduction into Freemasonry began at this church Westphalia UMC when the Pastor was the late Dr. Roland Timity. Pastor Timity’s influence encouraged Gaskin to petition Bee Hive Lodge No. 66, along with the late Brothers Otto Kent and Clarence Booker.

All three of them would serve as Junior Warden, Senior Warden and Worshipful Master. Those three, having not being a from Charles County, had to really prove their worthiness amongst the local Brothers.

PM Gaskin served Bee Hive as Worshipful Master during the 1985-1986 Masonic Year. During this time period Samuel T. Daniels was the sitting Most Worshipful Grand Master, and according to PM Gaskins, he did not play! PM Gaskin believes that everyone needs a good team, a philosophy he practiced during his career with PGCPS and he stuck to during his tenure in the East.

He sought wise council from the Past Masters, namely Thomas Butler as well as other brothers like Fred Hamn and Mason Proctor who had been around the lodge for years.

He continued the traditions that Bee Hive is famous for namely, the Annual Shad Bake and the fish fry’s. PM Gaskin continued the brother/sisterly love between Bee Hive and Truth Chapter No. 19, OES including them in various fundraising activities.

During this month of February, I’m proud to say that Past Master Robert Gaskin is Black History, not only by his dedication to the lodge, but by having served the residents of Prince George’s County.

Fraternally Submitted, Bro. Tyrell (TDP) Prout Bee Hive Lodge No. 66

We honored 2 new MWPGM’s and the late Joyce Thorpe, wife of the 24th MWGM Melvin M. Thorpe.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this event. We will see you next year!