On Monday, May 18, Milford School District Board of Education renamed the office of the Milford Middle School the “Marvin Schelhouse Quarterdeck” in honor of longtime school board member, the late Marvin Schelhouse.
“We held a special reception earlier this evening as part of the dedication of the front main office suite in recognition of Mr. Marvin Schelhouse,” School Board President Scott Fitzgerald said. “Mr. Schelhouse was a board member here in Milford School District and passed away on September 8, 2022. He was a graduate of Milford High School as a member of the Class of 1955.”
Fitzgerald continued, pointing out that Schelhouse served on the Milford School District Board of Education for over 30 years.
“Mr. Bucher can correct me if I am wrong, but 37 years is the actual number,” Fitzgerald said. “he served as president of the board multiple times and was recognized with several awards, including the Jefferson Award for Community Service and a tribute from the Delaware General Assembly for Outstanding Service to Education.”
Schelhouse also played a significant role with the dedication of the Milford 11 marker outside the school in 2005, recognizing the community’s struggle for educational equality. The Milford 11 were the first black students to attempt integration at Milford High School, which in 1954 was located where the Milford Middle School stands today. When the building was renovated, portions of the original building were retained, partly in homage to the Milford 11 and the Milford 7, the seven black students who successfully integrated the school in 1964.
“Marvin was a cornerstone of the Milford community and our district,” Fitzgerald said. “He was a staunch advocate from keeping the original structure of what was Milford High School as a part of our new Milford Middle School as we see it today. It is only fitting that we remember his contributions through the dedication of the main office suite and his memory.”
Memorabilia collected by Schelhouse over the years will now be on display in what the district calls the U.S.S. Victory, the ship Schelhouse was instrumental in rebuilding at Brigg’s Stadium. Other items will be displayed in the office as well.
“A quarter deck is the control center of a ship,” Fitzgerald said. “We really appreciate all the members of Marvin’s family and several friends that were here earlier as we recognized Mr. Schelhouse’s contributions to the district.”
