Learn about Milton M. Somers Middle School
We are glad that you are searching for real estate information on our site. This information is located on a page that is not maintained by DMS Properties, LLC Residential Real Estate Services. Milton M. Somers Middle School is located in La Plata, Maryland.
The school is named for Milton Michael Somers, He served as principal of La Plata High School from 1927 until 1964. He was the first and only person in Charles County to have a school named in his honor while he was still living.
Somers was born in Crisfield, Maryland on September 24, 1898. After attending Western Maryland College, he studied law at the National University Law School. Somers received his law degree in 1924. His first served as principal at Surrattsville High School.
When the new La Plata High School opened its doors in 1927, Somers was appointed principal of the school. In the beginning of his career as principal, Somers also taught subjects, such as algebra, geometry and Problems in American Democracy. While working at theschool, Somers saw it grow from 224 students and five teachers in 1927 to more than 1,700 students and a faculty of 67 in 1964. He also organized the school’s PTA. The organization provided free milk for students, books for the library, first aid supplies and many other miscellaneous items not supplied by the Board of Education at the time. The PTA fundraisers were extremely popular in the community, especially the annual Oyster-Chicken Salad Supper. Citizens from all over Charles County flocked to La Plata to attend the event.
Somers also helped start the Charles County Community College, now the College of Southern Maryland. The college saw its inception in La Plata High School, where classes were held. In addition, Somers helped the PTA raise scholarships so students could attend the new school.
When he retired in 1964, Somers opened his own law practice. This was an idea he had abandoned when he began his serving in the school system. Somers continued to serve the community through his law practice and his volunteer work in education until his death in 1975. During this period, he served as a Board of Education member and president, as well as home-taught students.
Miton M. Somers Middle School opened in 1964 in what is now the county government building. At the time La Plata High School was housed in the current Somers building. When the current La Plata High School was built in 1979, Somers moved into the building it occupies now on Willow Lane.