Cheverus High School
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| Cheverus High School | |
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'Crescamus in Illo per omina
May we grow in Him through all things |
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| Location | |
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| Portland, Maine, USA | |
| Information | |
| Religion | Catholic |
| President | Rev. William R. Campbell, S.J. |
| Principal | John H.R. Mullen |
| Enrollment |
545 |
| Faculty | 45 |
| Student:teacher ratio | 12:1 |
| Average SAT scores (2007) | Critical Reading: 541 Math: 543 Writing: 542 |
| Type | Co-ed, prep school, Jesuit |
| Campus | 25 acres (.1 square km) |
| Athletics | 28 Interscholastic |
| Mascot | Stag |
| Color(s) | Purple, Gold |
| Established | 1917 |
| Homepage | www.cheverus.org |
Cheverus High School is a private Jesuit college preparatory school in Portland, Maine. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. Cheverus High School was founded in 1917 as a Diocesan school and was named after French Roman Catholic Cardinal Jean-Louis Lefebvre de Cheverus. The Society of Jesus took over responsibility of the school in 1942.
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[edit] Campus
The school is located on property overlooking Portland's Back Cove. It consists of two buildings: the Main building and Loyola Hall, (named after Saint Ignatius of Loyola). Most math and science classes are taught in the main building, while English, history, theology, and fine arts classes are taught in Loyola Hall. The sports facilities are in the Rev. John Keegan Gymnasium, which connects to the main building.
[edit] History
Originally named The Catholic Institute High School, it was renamed Cheverus in 1926 after the first bishop of Boston, John Cheverus. Cheverus was first located on Free Street, moved to Cumberland Avenue in 1946, and then moved to its current location on Ocean Avenue in 1952.
Cheverus was originally run by diocesan priests. In 1942, the Society of Jesus took over responsibility of the school.
In 2000, the school became co-ed, a decision that angered many students and faculty members who felt that it went against tradition.[citation needed]
[edit] Sex abuse scandal
In 1998, nine male alumni claimed that they had been molested while attending Cheverus. Two former faculty members were accused. The school confirmed the abuse and apologized to the victims. The victims also accused both Cheverus High School and the Portland Diocese of hiding information, and that they had previously known about the abuse.
Settlements to victims have reached a cumulative seven figures, with ongoing counseling additional. Primarily, two long time Cheverus faculty members, one the chair of the English Department, the other, the head of the Track Team, have admitted they are guilty.[1]
[edit] Academics
Cheverus is a college preparatory school. It offers 12 AP classes, and has an honors option for most of its courses. Students must take 25.5 courses in 4 years, including at least 4 mathematics courses, 4 English courses, 4 Religion courses, 3 science courses, 3 foreign language courses (continuing within the same language), and 3 social studies courses [1].
Cheverus has above average SAT scores. In 2005, the schools' average Verbal SAT score was 575, and the average math score was 576[2]. This is about 50-60 points above national and state average.
[edit] Extra-curricular activities
[edit] Clubs and activities
Cheverus has many extracurricular activities. The math team has won the state championship in its division for the past eight years (1999-2006) and won the overall state championship in 2007. Chess and debate teams do very well, too.
Cheverus and Catherine McAuley High School run an exchange program with the Chilean school Colegios Padre Hurtados y Juanita de los Andes.
An interesting attribute of the school is the requirement of the "Pedro Arrupe Service Project" (formerly May Project). Seniors end classes in April, and then they spend the month of May doing community service during the time that they would normally be at school.
Cheverus' Key Club is known for its annual turkey drive that helps give many needy Portland area families a meal during Thanksgiving. They also help give families necessities they need around Christmas time, and they donate much of their time to help out the society.
Other clubs include the drama and stage crew, the school newspaper ("The Stagline"), recycling club, the outdoor club, and intramural sports.
[edit] Athletics
Cheverus offers many varsity sports, including soccer, lacrosse, sailing, cross country, football, field hockey, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, indoor track, track & field, softball, baseball, and lacrosse. Cheverus is traditionally very strong in basketball, hockey, soccer, and cross country, and has won many state championships. Most recently they won the 2008 class A state title in basketball.
[edit] Spirituality
Cheverus’ Campus Ministry provides opportunities for students to experience Jesuit tradition and develop their own personal faith through prayer, reflection and services. Campus Ministry programs include liturgies and services, retreats, and involvement with Habitat For Humanity. Cheverus High School gathers for worship at significant times during the year. During a regular week, Mass is held for students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends in the Loyola Chapel on Wednesday mornings at 7:15 a.m. and Friday afternoons at 2:30 p.m.. In addition to its Theology program, which is the academic component, Cheverus has a retreat program tailor-made to meet the spiritual needs of its students. [2]
[edit] Dress code
Both male and female students are required to wear a suit coat, a button-down uniform shirt, and dress shoes. Male students must also wear a tie and dress pants, while females may wear either skirts or dress pants. [3]
[edit] Notable alumni
- Joseph E. Brennan, former governor of Maine
- Ian Crocker, Olympic swimmer
- John Joubert, serial killer[citation needed]
- Dick Joyce, Major League baseball player
- Charles J. Loring, Jr., Medal of Honor recipient, namesake of Loring Air Force Base
[edit] School Administration
- Rev. William R. Campbell, S.J., President
- Mr. John H.R. Mullen, Principal
- Mr. William L. Burke, Academic Vice Principal
- Mr. Thomas J. Conley, Assistant Principal
- Rev. John Predmore, S.J., Director of Ignatian Programs & Mission Identity
- Mr. Gregory Szkarlat, M.Div., Director of Campus Ministry
- Mr. Gary G. Hoyt, Director of Athletics & Activities
- Mr. Vince Ciampi, Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Affairs
- Mr. Michael S. Komich, Business Manager
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.boston.com/globe/spotlight/abuse/stories/031702_maine.htm
- ^ CheverusHighSchool. Campus Ministry. Retrieved on 2007-11-08.
[edit] External links
- Cheverus High School is at coordinates Coordinates:
