“Small School, Big Heart” is more than just a motto here at George C. Marshall High School. It is a way of life. This school, named after General George C. Marshall, has a story as rich as its namesake’s legacy.
George C. Marshall High School opened its doors in 1962. It quickly became a vital part of Fairfax County Public Schools. Katherine Marshall, the general’s wife, dedicated herself to ensuring the school would be named after her husband. She wanted to memorialize him.
Did you know there is a Marshall Museum right here within these walls? It started with a discovery. Assistant Principal Jay Pearson found archival letters and artifacts relating to the school’s opening. These items included letters to Winston Churchill and President Truman.
The museum idea was revisited. Pearson, Principal Jeffrey Litz and history teacher Tom Brannan collaborated. Students and teachers dedicated countless hours to creating the Marshall Museum. The museum showcases George C. Marshall’s life.
The George C. Marshall High School’s museum displays artifacts. They exemplify public opinion of the time. A trip to the George C. Marshall Foundation in Lexington helped shape the museum. Students worked closely with artifacts from Marshall’s college years at VMI. They learned about Marshall as a person.
The museum officially opened after the school’s renovation. County officials and community members attended. Future plans include expanding exhibits to cover World War II. The museum faced challenges. The space was sometimes used for storage. Accessibility was limited due to security.
George C. Marshall High School offers many extracurricular activities. There are over 30 clubs. High-achieving students can join honor societies. The school boasts a growing orchestra, band, choir and theater program.
Athletics are also a big part of Marshall. The teams are called the Statesmen. Their mascot is the griffin. Marshall competes in the AAA Liberty District.
The school has a new school motto. It was started during the Cinderella season of the 2005-2006 Varsity Men’s Basketball team.
Marshall has won state championships. These include boys’ cross country and girls’ basketball. Individual students have also won state titles in track and field.
The Marshall Band Program is well-regarded. It includes Concert Band and Wind Symphony. The Marshall Band has held the Honor Band title for three years consecutively. The Marching Statesmen have won multiple competitions.
The theater program is also award-winning. It has won the AAA State Finals of the Virginia High School League One-Act Festival five times.
George C. Marshall High School’s Cyber Patriot Program is impressive. Teams have placed high in national competitions. The Future Problem Solving Club has also achieved success. The Model United Nations club has grown significantly.
Several notable alumni have walked these halls. They include MLB player Mike Brown and actress Louisa Krause. NFL players Keith Lyle and Michael McCrary also attended. Figure skater Ilia Malinin.
George C. Marshall High School experienced controversies. These included a gang-related shooting and a discrimination case.
The movie Remember the Titans includes George Marshall High School. The film dramatized a game between T.C. Williams and Marshall.
The spirit of George C. Marshall lives on here. The museum, the activities, the achievements. This is a place where students find their niche. George C. Marshall High School is more than just a school. It is a community with a big heart.