POMONA – Marshall Middle School is kicking off its 60th anniversary celebration in style thanks in large part to Wal-Mart, which awarded the Pomona Unified school $1,500 in school grants. The funds will be used to help refurbish Marshall’s cafeteria and buy new e-readers for the school library.

“It is wonderful to see such leadership and collaboration between our schools and local business partners to improve the learning environments of our students,” said Pomona Unified Board President Andrew Wong. “We believe that strong bonds and engagement between students, parents, educators and local businesses make us a stronger, more accountable school district.”

Named after the nation’s longest-serving Supreme Court Chief Justice, John Marshall Middle School, opened its doors in 1955 as a seven-to-nine junior high. Now a grade sixth- through eighth-grade school, Marshall, located at 1921 Arroyo Ave., will celebrate its longevity and success during a ceremony tentatively scheduled for April.

“As part of our 60th anniversary, we plan to update and upgrade some items on campus so that over the next six decades, Marshall students can continue to feel a sense of pride in their school,” Principal Juan Ortiz said. “On behalf of Marshall Middle School, I want to thank our brand new Wal-Mart store in Pomona for its generosity and helping us build on our sense of community.”

The celebration will focus on the complete refurbishing of the school cafeteria and its centerpiece – a new mural depicting three different color representations of the school mascot, the Marshall Mustang.

“This mural has welcomed students into our cafeteria for the last 30 years and we are ready to create a modern mural that our children can enjoy,” Ortiz said.

The Wal-Mart grants will partially fund the new mural, as well as assist in the purchase of three e-readers for the school library to better help students in the transition to new digital learning technologies.

“It is our continuing mission to provide our students with the most modern learning facilities available,” PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “We are grateful to Wal-Mart for its commitment to our schools. Every child deserves an opportunity to excel.”

More information about Marshall Middle School can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marshall-Middle-School/138200929561507.

PHOTO CAPTION:

MARSHALL: Marshall Middle School Principal Juan Ortiz is presented with a $1,000 school grant from the Pomona Wal-Mart, which provided an additional $500 in other school grants to the school for its 60th anniversary celebration.