Hallie Wells Middle School in Clarksburg is celebrating its 10th anniversary during the 2026-2027 school year, marking a decade since the school first opened its doors in August 2016.
The 150,089 SF school was built to help accommodate increasing enrollment in the growing Clarksburg community and was named in honor of longtime Clarksburg resident Hallie Wells.
Wells and her husband, Ovid Hazen Wells, were federal government employees who later retired to a farm in what was then rural Clarksburg. Hallie Wells eventually donated approximately 290 acres of land to Montgomery County Parks, land that today includes Ovid Hazen Wells Recreational Park and provides space for community recreation and events.
The Montgomery County Board of Education unanimously approved Hallie Wells Middle School as the school’s name on March 4, 2016, recognizing Wells’ connection to Clarksburg and her history of generosity to the community.
The school’s Mustang mascot also has a connection to Wells. In 1981, she purchased a Herschell-Spillman carousel that had operated at the Smithsonian on the National Mall and donated it to Montgomery County Parks. The carousel later spent time at Wheaton Regional Park before moving to Clarksburg. The Mustang was selected as the school’s mascot in recognition of that part of Wells’ legacy, with Maverick the Mustang representing the school at events.
Hallie Wells Middle School has several events planned throughout the school year to celebrate the anniversary. The Mustang’s Milestone 5K is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at 8:30am. The anniversary celebration will continue with a Holiday Shopping Event on Saturday, December 5 from 10am-4pm at the school, located at 11701 Little Seneca Pkwy. The shopping event is expected to feature more than 25 crafters and vendors, along with food, treats, raffles and door prizes.
Both events will help raise funds for a larger community fair planned for May 1. The fair is expected to include activities, games, food and other festivities for students, staff, families and members of the Clarksburg community.
School organizers said the anniversary celebration is intended to recognize not only 10 years of Hallie Wells Middle School, but also the values associated with its namesake – community, generosity, responsibility and leaving something meaningful for future generations.
