Breaking Ground: Richard Allen School Beginning Renovations

GEORGETOWN, Del. – The wet conditions couldn’t keep the spirits of the Richard Allen School down as the school’s coalition breaks ground on renovations.

For those who came out and symbolically broke ground on the Richard Allen School, like former student and current school Vice President, Darrell Melvin, there are a lot of memories tied up in the old school.

Melvin tells us, “Years ago, this was our community. This was a focal point. Everyone in the neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods always came here and played ball as young kids. They played baseball, softball. So we always had something here every Saturday and Sunday. It was just one big old community together,”

Plans for renovations include restoring portions of the school back to their original designs as well as new amenities and facilities.

It’s all possible thanks to the help of former Richard Allen student and Delaware State Senator, Brian Pettyjohn.

“It’s great because that means it’s going to continue to serve people in the community. The outreach is going to be even more than it currently is. And it’s going to be great for generations to come,” says Senator Pettyjohn.

To the people who have worked tirelessly over the last ten years, the benefits for those in Georgetown are going to be all worth it.

Richard Allen School President, Jane Covington says, “You’re talking about pure joy. It will be pure joy for us to see this school renovated and the programs coming out of here and knowing that we’re helping these children in this community.”

The timing couldn’t be better for the renovations, as this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Richard Allen School.