Mechanical Institute of Freeland. Coxe delivered the Founder's Day Address on May 31, 1893. The school was incorporated in Luzerne County Court on July 31, 1894. Coxe began offering scholarships for the school's best students. The school began offering day classes in 1893. Growth Enrollment at MMI continued to grow, and in December 1902, the front wing of the new school was built where MMI stands today. It was largely funded through contributions from Eckley Coxe's wife, Sophia Georgianna Coxe. Classes started in the new wing in the spring of 1903. In 1914, Mrs. Coxe funded the construction of the rear wing of the existing building, which housed the chemistry and physics laboratories. She also funded the construction of the gymnasium across the street in 1925. She continued to help subsidize student tuition costs. Effects of Political Upheaval During the Great Depression, night school enrollments dropped off. The night school briefly reopened between 1940 and 1950, but after World War II, it was closed again for lack of enrollment. Fire of 1964 In 1946, the front and rear wing were joined by an addition. In 1964, the main building was gutted by fire. On June 9, hours before graduation, smoke was seen coming out of the tower. By 3:00 P.M., the tower had fallen and burned. The roof caved in. The interior of the front wing was completely destroyed, but the rear wing and all school records (dating back to 1893) were saved. During the commencement exercises, the board of directors promptly announced the school would be rebuilt. On October 30, the newly restored building was dedicated. Acceptance of Women In 1970, the school began accepting young women. The name of the school was changed to MMI Preparatory School because officials felt that the old name did not adequately describe the school's function or mission, which was to prepare students for the rigors of college academics. Basketball Championship The Preppers 1973 boys' basketball squad won a state basketball championship, the first and only independent school to do so. John the "Animal" Sisock was part of this team. John later coached for the school. Expansions In 1977, MMI expanded its curriculum by adding a 7th and 8th grade (Mid-School) to the Preparatory School. The Century II Building, containing the cafetorium, computerized library, science labs, and modern classrooms, opened in 1979. In 1996, the school spent a quarter-million dollars on a new