Pasadena School Celebrates Centennial with Historic Name Change

A historic Pasadena school is preparing to celebrate its centennial with a two-day festival in May, coinciding with a significant name change that honors a civil rights icon.

Marshall Fundamental Secondary School, built in 1925, will officially become Thurgood Marshall Secondary School following a unanimous vote by the Pasadena Unified Board of Education in April.

The centennial celebration will take place May 9 and 10, with each day highlighting different aspects of the school’s legacy. Friday’s event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. will focus on “100 years of Leadership, Arts and Community Service,” while Saturday’s festivities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will celebrate “100 Years of Athletics.”

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education approved the name change on April 18. School officials say the name change reflects the institution’s evolution beyond its original “fundamental” focus on agriculture, homemaking and traditional citizenship education.

“We are excited to reintroduce Marshall to our community with our new school name,” Principal Lori Touloumian said. “Marshall’s mission and EAGLE values align with Thurgood Marshall’s legacy of racial equality and social change.”

The school now offers Advanced Placement courses, creative arts programs and championship-level athletic teams. Its EAGLE values – Embrace Diversity, Act Responsibly, Graduate Prepared, Lead with Integrity, Engage in Leadership, and Succeed – mirror Justice Marshall’s lifelong commitment to equality.

Students have embraced the change. In an article on ColoradoBoulevard.net written by PUSD Board member Scott Phelps, Marshall sophomore Melody Denniston said, “Thurgood Marshall was a major factor in tearing down racial segregation in schools. Because of him, I am able to enjoy the diversity at Marshall.”

The centennial celebration was originally postponed due to the Eaton Fire but has been rescheduled for the May dates.