DOVER — William Henry Middle School students were able to research the origins of the school, with a culminating drive-thru luncheon Wednesday. 

While the students are currently attending William Henry Middle School in the East Wing at Central Middle School, this event — hosted by the “6 Henry Blue” Teacher Team — took place outside the original William Henry Middle School at 65 Carver Road.

In honor of Black History Month, these students have been participating in various activities to understand the backgrounds and interesting contributions that have developed from African American people throughout past and present times.

Students of 6 Henry Blue had the opportunity to research about William Henry Middle School and its origin. They conducted a short research project about the school and found some interesting facts about the development and foundation.

William Henry Middle School is named after an African American activist, William W. M. Henry. William W. M. Henry was a 1902 graduate who attended Delaware State College (now known as Delaware State University), and he was the first African American physician to practice in lower Delaware.

William Henry first opened in September 1952 in honor of the contributions from Dr. William W.M. Henry, and it only had 10 classrooms.

In 1954, William Henry was a high school officially named William W. M. Henry Comprehensive High School, and it was the only high school for African Americans.

The school closed after the 1965-1966 school year, following the Supreme Court ruling to integrate schools. It reopened as a middle school in 1967.