Dr. John H. Hewlett, III was born in 1937 and had a distinguished career as educator, Track and Field Coach at West Chester’s B. Reed Henderson High School (1967-1975) and founder, sponsor and coach of the West Chester Area Track and Field Club (1967-2005).

A native of Ashland, Virginia, John began his career teaching Chemistry (1961) in Richmond (VA). Six years later, he moved to Henderson High School to teach Chemistry and begin a successful career coaching track & field. In addition to teaching and coaching he earned a Master of Education in Chemistry from Tuskegee University, a Master of Arts in Secondary School Administration from Villanova University and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. He later served as Assistant Secondary School Principal (1975 to 1981), Supervisor of Specially Funded Programs, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools, and Director of Human Resources from 1988 until his passing in 2010.

John took great pride in mentoring youngsters not only in his roles within the school district but especially with the West Chester Area Track and Field Club. He assisted and guided youth to reach their potential academically, socially and athletically, and willingly imparted his wisdom, experience, knowledge and resources to help them become better people and athletes. Hewlett was the beacon of hope and encouragement behind countless athletes who achieved success at the local, state, national and international levels.

In 1999, the John H. Hewlett, III Scholarship Fund was created to award a scholarship to two graduating Henderson students and to date over 30 awards have been granted. Shortly after his death, the West Chester School Board approved the naming of the Henderson High School Track Complex in John Hewlett’s memory. It is now named the “Dr. John H. Hewlett III Memorial Track.”