Mission Statement

The mission of Marquette High School, home of the Mustangs, is to provide a safe and secure environment that will inspire, challenge, and encourage each student to develop a mature intellectual, creative, social, and physical foundation for lifelong learning in a global society. We support this through a concentrated effort of the entire Marquette family including students, staff, parents, and community.

History

Opening in 1993, MHS, built on the grounds of a farm for $20.5 million, opened initially to serve 1,000 freshmen and sophomores. However, the Great Flood of '93 hindered the construction of the school for several months due to the breach of Chesterfield Valley levies that also flooded many businesses and homes up to 10 feet.

Despite the school ultimately opening in the fall of 1993, many were doubtful it would open on time.  Fortunately, on September 1, 38 students from MHS, their families and friends gave up their last three days of summer break to help clean up the mess left behind by the flood, which allowed the school to open as scheduled.

Fifteen months earlier, the Marquette High School Colors/Mascot Committee first met on May 12, 1992. The committee had narrowed down the potential mascots to the Cavaliers, Hornets, Mavericks, Mustangs and Trailblazers.  Seventh and eighth graders from Selvidge and Crestview, who would soon go to MHS, voted on the school name, mascot, and the navy blue, kelly green and white school colors – and with that, a legacy was built.

While the students developed traditions and grew their friendships that first year, their population quickly outgrew the school's initial size. Only three years after the school opened, the school placed four trailers, portable classrooms, in the front of the school to hold the large student population. Within five year, 14 additional classrooms would be added to the second and third floors.

Dr. Dan Deschamp was the first principal of MHS for eight years and said when he found out about the initial plans in 1991, that he was excited to allow students and faculty to shape the school and make it their own.  "It was probably the most satisfying experience about my career," Dr. Deschamp said. "Not many people get to start a high school."  The most important vision of MHS, Dr. Deschamp said, was having a high school that was inviting and allowed everyone to develop their own path.

Many traditions, such as Senior Farewell, Taste of Marquette and Wacky Olympics, have always been a part of MHS.  However, many have been added, like the Homecoming Bonfire, pep-assemblies and dodgeball tournaments.  Today our student body consists of about 2400 students in grades 9 through 12 and we have a staff of 206 teachers and 62 various support positions.   And we hope to continue to welcome new students and staff into our Marquette family!