"Meet" Our Namesake - John L. Costley, Sr.

John L. Costley Sr.

The school is named after John L. Costley Sr.  a citizen of East Orange and community activist. Throughout his adult life he worked tirelessly and selfishly in the interest of youth and the community. John L. Costley Sr. was born July 20, 1898 on a farm in Mount Pleasant, Maryland. He enlisted in the army during World War I and served with distinction in France with the infamous 369th Regiment of New York. After the war, Mr. Costley married Bessie Scott of Newark with whom he enjoyed over fifty years of marriage.

Always concerned about the welfare of children and youth of the community, Mr. Costley, despite the demands of his jobs, became involved in organizing a boy’s club in East Orange, Newark and Orange. 

Mr. Costley’s interest in education led to his appointment to the East Orange Board of Education’s Affirmative Action and Citizen’s Advisory Committees and he was cited by the Board for his contributions to these important committees.