St. Joseph High School (Westchester, Illinois)
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| St. Joseph High School Home of the Chargers |
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| Established | 1960 |
| Type | Co-ed, College Prep |
| Affiliation | Christian Brothers |
| President | Mr. David G. McCreery |
| Principal | Ms. Donna Kiel |
| Students | 775 |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Location | Westchester, Illinois USA |
| Colors | Red, White and Black |
| Mascot | Chargers |
| Website | St. Joseph High School www.stjoeshs.org |
St. Joseph High School (or St. Joe's) is a private high school in Westchester, Illinois.
Among its graduates are NBA star Isiah Thomas, and the school was featured extensively in the 1994 documentary film Hoop Dreams, about students William Gates and Arthur Agee.
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[edit] Overview
St. Joseph High School (SJHS) is a Catholic, co-ed, college preparatory high school sponsored by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, known as the Christian Brothers. SJHS is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. SJHS is a member of the National Catholic Educational Association and the Christian Brothers Educational Association. The school is also a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), East Suburban Catholic Conference (ESCC), and the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC).
Students come from more than 100 elementary schools from the western suburbs and the City of Chicago. The students are accepted for admission based on the entrance exam, grade school records, and teachers’ recommendations for freshman year. Transfer students are accepted based on their academic records, discipline reports, and recommendations. Currently, the racial make up of the school is White, Hispanic, African American, Biracial, Asian, and Native American.
[edit] History
SJHS was founded by the Christian Brothers at the invitation of Samuel Cardinal Stritch, Archbishop of Chicago. Construction of the original building (1840 S. Mayfair Ave.) began on July 2, 1959, and was completed in September 1960, and dedicated on September 16, 1961
The all-boys school first began operations on September 7, 1960, with 390 freshmen. In July of 1963, SJHS received state recognition as a three-year high school and was granted full approval as a member of the Illinois High School Association. By the spring of 1964, the educational program had developed and the school was given full state recognition as a four-year high school. In 1987, SJHS was accredited by the North Central Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges.
SJHS has served Chicago and the western suburbs for nearly 50 years. The continually developing curriculum has evolved into strong academic programs for students in three major areas: Honors Program, College Preparatory "A" Program, and College Preparatory "B" Program. SJHS was also the recipient of Exemplary Accreditation as a Transition School by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement.
[edit] Recent
In late August 2004, the students of SJHS became the first students in a Catholic high school in the state of Illinois to enter an all wireless, all laptop learning campus. Every student and teacher at SJHS has an IBM/Lenovo laptop computer.
In February 2005, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, gave SJHS his approval to change the mission of the school and expand from an all-boys school to a co-educational school beginning in the 2005-2006 school year.
On August 25, 2006, SJHS purchased the former Immaculate Heart of Mary High School building and surrounding property located at 10900 W. Cermak Road. School President David McCreery explained the reason for the acquisition of the building and property: “St. Joseph’s objective is to prepare our students to compete in the world and succeed in life. We have created an exceptional and innovative education for our young men and women, but our facilities needed to be strengthened. The new building and additional property provides St. Joseph with exciting, new opportunities.” The plan was to convert the “new” building into an academic campus, while continuing to use the 1840 S. Mayfair Ave. Gym and related facilities, parking lot, and athletic fields. On January 22, 2007, the student body, faculty, and staff of SJHS all began a new era in the new Chargerland.
[edit] Mission statement
"St. Joseph High School is a Catholic, Christian educational community formed in the Lasallian tradition whose MISSION is to provide a Christian education for young women and men of diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. We inspire these young women and men to discover their God-given talents, empower them to be lifelong learners and challenge them to achieve their potential as compassionate women and men of faith."
[edit] Fun Facts
School Motto: “Vincit Qui Laborat,” which means “Victory Belongs to Those Who Work”
Nickname: Chargers - St. Joe's is Home of the Chargers
School Colors: Red, White and Black
Mascot: Joe Charger
Charger Emblem (pictured above): In the days of the Roman Empire, one person of courage, strength and determination was selected to step out and lead the charge of the Roman Legion. This person was called the “Charger.”
[edit] The Great Seal of St. Joseph High school
The seal (pictured below) represents the various elements of the school’s tradition and spirit.
In the center is the crest of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, the Catholic order of Brothers who sponsors St. Joseph High School. At the top of the crest is the Latin phrase Signum Fide, which means the Sign of Faith. Below the Brothers’ crest is the broken shield, the family emblem of St. John Baptist De La Salle, a 17th century French saint who founded the Christian Brothers.
Below it hangs the star of Bethlehem, which is a guide for students of Lasallian schools around the world. The star once guided the three kings and now guides Lasallian students to Christ.
On one side of the star of faith is the symbol of the atomic age which depicts the school's dedication to learning and technology. On the other side, is the hammer and chisel representing the school's patron saint, St. Joseph the Worker, who was noted for his simple, but hard work as a carpenter and as the foster father of Christ.
The entire crest is surrounded by plumes and a knight’s helmet, representing the English tradition of the Village of Westchester.
Finally, at the top of the great seal of St. Joseph High School is the school motto, “Vincit Qui Laborat,” which means “Victory Belongs to Those Who Work.” Directly below the school seal is a cross which salutes the Catholic character of the school.
[edit] Administrators
- President - David G. McCreery
- Principal - Donna Kiel
[edit] Additional Facts
Every spring, SJHS hosts ChargerFest and sponsors its Super Raffle, which are the school’s biggest fundraisers. ChargerFest features the Super Raffle drawing, a buffet, door prizes, additional raffles, games, and music. The Super Raffle was instituted in 1995. The raffle boasts a grand prize of $10,000 and has been deemed a great success each year. All proceeds benefit SJHS.
In March 2005, SJHS was selected as the School of the Week by the CBS 2 Chicago's Morning News. SJHS was subsequently featured live on TV on March 4, 2005, on Friday Hoops. Ed Curran, the CBS 2 Chicago weather man, hosted the show from the school’s gym. The show broadcasted 18 spots of SJHS highlights.
In December 2005, SJHS hosted an event entitled “Becoming a True Leader,” which featured prominent leaders of today sharing leadership experiences and advice with the entire SJHS student body and visitors. His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. began the program by blessing the St. Joseph community and the school’s past heritage and new initiatives.
SJHS Varsity Girl’s Volleyball won the Proviso West Tournament in September 2006. The
team was undefeated 5-0 and beat host Proviso West for the title.
One of the school's most famous graduates is Isiah Thomas, former NBA star and current president of the New York Knicks organization.
Legendary St. Joe's Head Basketball Coach Gene Pingatore and Isiah Thomas were both honored at the 1st Annual Induction of the East Suburban Catholic Conference’s Hall of Fame Dinner on Thursday, March 9, 2006.
In 1999, SJHS Varsity Boy's Basketball won the IHSA Championship.
The Grand Marshall for school-sponsored parades is Class of 2006 graduate Edd McMurray.
School President, Mr. David G. McCreery, was honored as Person of the Year 2006 by the Westchester Chamber of Commerce at its annual Installation Dinner on Saturday, February 17, 2007, at The Carlisle in Lombard, Illinois. Mr. McCreery received this award in recognition of all that he has achieved on behalf of St. Joseph High School and the community.
