A. M. Aikin, Jr. Elementary School opened for classes on August 27, 1979.  The school was named in honor of Senator A.M. Aikin, Jr. who was born at Aikin Grove, Red River County, Texas, on October 9, 1905.  In 1907 the family moved to Lamar County, Texas.  Senator Aikin attended school in Milton and Deport where he graduated in 1923.  His education continued at Paris Junior College in 1923 and 1924.  In 1932, he graduated from Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tennessee, with a Bachelor of Law degree.

He served more than 40 years as a member of the Texas Legislature.  From 1933 to 1937 he was a member of the House of Representatives, before being elected to the Senate where he served until 1975.  As chairman of the two most powerful committees in the Senate, Finance & State Affairs and Higher Education, he was able to influence much legislation.

A.M. Aikin, Jr. was elected by his colleagues to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Senate in 1943.  He also served as acting Governor on several occasions.  He holds the distinction of serving the longest tenure in the Senate in the history of Texas.  All throughout his years in the Senate he maintained a vital interest in improvement of education.  He co-authored the Gilmer-Aikin Laws which brought Texas to the forefront of the nation in education, and is recognized as the father of modern Texas education.  He has been honored for his leadership in education by many state and national education organizations as well as Texas colleges and universities.

Senator A.M. Aikin, Jr. died in 1981 and is buried in Paris, Texas.