WILMINGTON, DE — Wilmington celebrated a significant milestone on Friday with the grand opening of the Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy, the first newly constructed school in the city in decades. This event brought together state and local leaders, educators, students, and community members, underscoring the school’s importance in revitalizing educational opportunities for Wilmington’s youth.
Governor John Carney, along with First Spouse Tracey Quillen Carney, Senator Chris Coons, and a host of other dignitaries, marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “The brand-new Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy is one of the commitments we made to our children in the city,” Governor Carney emphasized. The Governor acknowledged the collaborative efforts that led to the school’s realization, highlighting the role of the General Assembly and various community partners.
Named in honor of Maurice Pritchett, a revered figure in Wilmington’s educational history, the academy stands as a testament to his lasting impact. Senator Chris Coons remarked on Pritchett’s legacy, calling him “a mountain of a man” whose dedication to education shaped countless young lives. The new school, he suggested, serves as a fitting tribute to Pritchett’s enduring influence.
The academy, fully funded by the State of Delaware, received a $50 million allocation proposed by Governor Carney in his FY21 budget. This investment not only facilitated the construction of the state-of-the-art facility but also symbolized a broader commitment to enhancing the educational infrastructure in Wilmington. Dr. Mark Holodick, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Education, highlighted the importance of combining physical resources with passionate educators. “What will make the difference in its students’ lives are the educators and staff who are committed to their success,” he stated.
The new school aims to address longstanding educational inequities in Wilmington. State Senator Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, a co-chair of the Redding Consortium for Educational Equity, expressed hope that the academy would mark a turning point for the city’s education system. “If we want our students to succeed, we must show them that we value them,” she asserted, calling the school a symbol of transformation and progress.
For State Senator Darius Brown, the academy’s opening is deeply personal. As a former student of Bancroft School, where Maurice Pritchett served as principal, Brown sees the new school as a continuation of Pritchett’s legacy of leadership and community engagement. “His pioneering work changed people’s lives,” Brown noted, expressing pride in the academy bearing Pritchett’s name.
The academy’s opening also promises to strengthen community ties. State Representative Stephanie T. Bolden pointed out the practical benefits of having a neighborhood school, such as increased safety and reduced travel time for students. “The Maurice Pritchett Academy will allow his legacy to live on… and create a hub of education and recreation in the heart of Wilmington,” she said.
Mayor Mike Purzycki echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the school’s broader significance. “This beautiful building is much more than an impressive collection of brick and mortar,” he remarked. “It represents a significant investment in our children and in the neighborhood in which they live.”
As the school prepares to welcome its first students this fall, Dr. Laura Burgos, Executive Director of the Wilmington Learning Collaborative, underscored the collaborative spirit that will drive the academy’s success. “History is being made today,” she declared, inviting all stakeholders to ensure the school becomes an exemplar of educational excellence in Wilmington.
The celebration concluded with a block party, highlighting community engagement and the inaugural book walk/roll for Books for Blue, encouraging families to explore their local libraries. This festive atmosphere set the tone for the academy’s mission to foster a vibrant and inclusive learning environment for generations to come.
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