District Celebrates Mary E. Britton Middle

Fayette County Public Schools has signaled the opening of Mary E. Britton Middle School on Polo Club Boulevard, which will welcome students in August. Named in honor of a fiery trailblazer in education, medicine, and civil rights — this school will strive to embody her legacy of resilience, advocacy, and community spirit. 

The featured guest at the dedication ceremony was Patricia Hooks-Gray of Cincinnati, a great-great niece of Britton. “She was a public servant. It was instilled in her whole life to care for other people,” Hooks-Gray said, pondering Britton’s reaction to the honor. “She would just be in awe.” 

The new complex is our district’s largest middle school. It features expansive collaborative spaces, a state-of-the-art agricultural science lab, and a fully equipped health sciences lab. Additionally, students have access to specialized areas for visual and digital arts, as well as dedicated spaces for band, orchestra, and vocal music. Situated on the historic grounds of the former Hamburg Farms in eastern Fayette County near I-75, the school is among the most energy-efficient facilities in Kentucky. 

“The seeds of future careers will be planted at this school. These students are future leaders who will make things better,” said Hooks-Gray, who described her aunt as a true humanitarian and a changemaker. 

Principal Dave Hoskins hosted the event, along with Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, school board Chair Tyler Murphy, and Mayor Linda Gorton. Liggins challenged incoming students to remember the school’s namesake and imagine what they want to be and do in life. “You, too, are capable of doing amazing things,” he said. 

Hoskins echoed his sentiments, adding that Mary E. Britton Middle will focus on school pride and a sense of belonging. “The connections, shared experiences, and lasting bonds matter the most,” he said.