To the Englewood Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools, the Administration of Dwight Morrow High School, and the Honorable Members of the City of Englewood:

We, the undersigned alumni, former student-athletes, students, parents, educators, residents, and supporters of the City of Englewood, respectfully petition the Englewood Board of Education to permanently name the basketball court at Dwight Morrow High School in honor of Coach Gerald Akridge Sr.

Coach Gerald Akridge Sr. was more than a coach—he was a mentor, educator, role model, and proud Raider whose dedication transformed the Dwight Morrow basketball program and positively impacted generations of students.

As Head Coach of the Dwight Morrow Raiders, Coach Akridge compiled an outstanding 296-119 record over 14 seasons, making him the winningest basketball coach in Dwight Morrow High School history. Under his leadership, the Raiders became a model of excellence, discipline, and competitive success. His achievements earned him a well-deserved place in the Bergen County Coaches Hall of Fame.

While his accomplishments on the court are remarkable, Coach Akridge’s greatest legacy is found in the countless lives he changed. He challenged his players to become not only better athletes, but better students, leaders, fathers, professionals, and members of the community. His commitment to excellence, accountability, integrity, and respect continues to influence those fortunate enough to have learned from him.

Beyond coaching, Coach Akridge devoted nearly three decades to Dwight Morrow High School as an educator and student coordinator. He believed in every student, encouraged them to reach their full potential, and served as a steady source of guidance and inspiration throughout his career.

The basketball court at Dwight Morrow High School is where Coach Akridge built his legacy. It is where he celebrated victories, overcame adversity, mentored young people, and represented the City of Englewood with pride and dignity. It is only fitting that future generations of Raiders compete on a court that bears his name.

Naming the court in his honor would:

Recognize the winningest basketball coach in Dwight Morrow High School history.
Honor nearly three decades of dedicated service to Englewood’s students.
Celebrate a leader whose influence reached far beyond basketball.
Inspire future Raiders to uphold the values of hard work, discipline, sportsmanship, and excellence.
Permanently preserve the legacy of one of the most influential figures in Dwight Morrow athletics.
Coach Gerald Akridge Sr. dedicated his life to Dwight Morrow High School and to the young people of Englewood. His impact cannot be measured solely in victories, championships, or accolades—it lives on in the countless students whose lives he helped shape.

We respectfully request that the basketball court at Dwight Morrow High School be officially designated as:

The Coach Gerald Akridge Sr. Court

This honor would serve as a lasting reminder that true greatness is measured not only by success, but by service, leadership, and the lives we inspire.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this petition and for helping preserve the legacy of one of Dwight Morrow High School’s greatest educators, coaches, and role models.

Respectfully submitted by the undersigned supporters of Coach Gerald Akridge Sr.