Fenwick High School (Chicago, Illinois)

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Fenwick High School
200
Veritas
Location
Oak Park, Illinois
United States
Information
Affiliation(s) Roman Catholic, Dominican
President DePorres Durham, OP
Principal James Quaid, Ed.D.
Dean Joseph Konrad
Enrollment

1200
Type Private high school, co-ed
Grades 9–12
Campus Suburban
Athletics conference Chicago Catholic League & East Suburban Catholic
Mascot The Friar
Color(s) Black and white
Established 1929
Newspaper The Wick
Literary Magazine
Touchstone
Yearbook The Blackfriars Yearbook
Homepage http://www.fenwickfriars.com/

Fenwick High School is a private university-preparatory school located in the Chicago, Illinois, USA, suburb of Oak Park. The prep school was founded in 1929[1] as part of the Province of St. Albert the Great (Dominican Friars). It is the only school still operated and staffed by the Catholic Order of Dominican friars in the United States.[2] It is named in honor of Bishop Edward D. Fenwick.

Highly selective in its admission policies, the school has approximately 1,200 students. Acceptance is based on performance on the special Archdiocesan Admission Test, and Fenwick has a 100% college acceptance rate.[3] Many of its students receive academic grants and scholarships to Ivy League schools.[3] Graduates also regularly earn athletic scholarships to top tier schools, such as the University of Pennsylvania, Yale, Notre Dame, and Brown.[3] The school colors are black and white and the mascot is a Friar. Fenwick's president is Father DePorres Durham, O.P. and the principal is James Quaid, Ed.D. Fenwick has produced many prominent alumni with excellence in various fields, including top athletes such as Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Lattner[4] and professional basketball player Corey Maggette.

Contents

[edit] History

Fenwick High School was founded as an all-boys college preparatory high school in 1929 by the Catholic Order of Dominican Fathers and Brothers of the Province of St. Joseph. Since its founding, Fenwick has maintained a strict dress code which includes slacks, dress shirts and ties for the boys and plaid (pattern) skirts and knee-high socks for the girls. During assemblies, blazers must be worn. Fenwick was originally intended to be a prep school for matriculation to the University of Notre Dame in the Midwest and Georgetown University on the East Coast, similar to Andover's matriculation to Yale and Exeter's matriculation to Harvard. Today, Fenwick's students matriculate to top universities across America.[5] In 1939, the St. Joseph Province was divided and Fenwick High School became part of the new Province of St. Albert the Great, with headquarters in Chicago. In 1992, girls were admitted for the first time. Today, Fenwick is known as a secondary school. Students use some athletic facilities, including a baseball field, two football fields, a softball diamond, and a soccer field on the campus of Fenwick's Dominican Priory in the nearby suburb of River Forest.

Fenwick has a long tradition of being a superior academic school as evidenced by the high number of National Merit Scholars and Illinois State Scholars, high ACT and SAT scores, and large numbers of students matriculating to top universities.[6] Fenwick has a highly accomplished faculty, some of which have earned the Golden Apple Award (education), the University of Chicago Outstanding Teaching Award, and the Illinois Physics Teacher of the Year Award. Fenwick's instructors also have impressive credentials. For example, the English Department has instructors educated at Notre Dame University, London University, and the University of Chicago. The school's History Department is headed by an Amherst College and Northwestern University alumnus, the brother of Lt. Governor Patrick Quinn. Fenwick's Principal, Dr. Quaid, has been honored with several distinctions, including the Influential Teacher Award from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as well as sitting on the Board of Directors of the Illinois High School Association and formerly serving as the President of the Interscholastic Council of Private Schools. [7]

In 1983 Fenwick was selected by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School, designating it as one of the top private and public schools in America.[8] On January 18, 1999, U.S. News & World Report classified Fenwick as an "Outstanding American High School", making Fenwick tied for the #1 ranked preparatory school in the Chicago area.[9] Fenwick's 2007 class had over 70% earn academic awards and scholarships to top universities around the country with the monetary value of these awards in excess of $13,900,000 (up from $12,555,800 in 2006 and 9,370,000 in 2005). The 2007 graduating class also boasted 153 Presidential Scholars, 79 Illinois State Scholars, an ACT average of 27 and 10 National Merit Finalists, with 15 additional receiving commendation for being named to the top 5% in the nation. [10]

Around the time Fenwick started admitting girls, there was a proposal to officially move classes to the school's priory in River Forest, or construct a brand new school in collaboration with nearby Trinity High School.[2] The idea almost passed, but was dropped when Fenwick insisted on maintaining complete control over the standards of the new school. Instead, Fenwick has commenced several expansion campaigns at their present location in Oak Park based around their original Neo-gothic designed school created by the New York architect Wilfred E. Anthony, who also redesigned the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Indiana for the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN.[11] The latest expansions include: a new field house with a 1,100 seat gymnasium and a 450 seat natatorium; several new classrooms and updated athletic lockers; a new school entrance and gateway inspired from the Arch of Northwestern University; and additional science laboratories and art studios, all of which are in keeping with the original Neo-gothic look of Fenwick's school and priory. [12]

Fenwick is the only high school in the United States owned and operated by the Dominican Order,[2] and the school maintains the intellectual tradition associated with Thomas Aquinas. Fenwick's school mottoes are the same as those of the Dominican Order: Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare (praise, bless, preach); Veritas (truth); Contemplare et Contemplata Aliis Tradere (to study and hand on the fruits of study). Fenwick often uses the Blackfriar as a mascot over a generic friar mascot since the Blackfriar is specifically associated with the Dominican Order.

Historically, Fenwick has shared a friendly rivalry with St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago similar to the Eastern rivalry of Phillips Academy Andover and Phillips Exeter Academy. The Fenwick/Ignatius rivalry is based on both school's long tradition of high academic achievement as well as Fenwick being of the Dominican Order and St. Ignatius being of the Jesuit Order. When it comes to athletics, Fenwick usually is the leader in this rivalry, especially in the areas of girls basketball, water polo, football, as well as many of the other sports played between these two schools.[13]

[edit] Fight song

Fenwick's fight song was inspired by one of Yale's fight songs, "Down the Field". [14]

March, Fenwick, march down the field!
March, Friars, march, men of steel!
We conquer our foes and wield–
A fearless strength that reveals–
Our loyal men never yield!
Fight, friars, fight 'till the end!
Fight, friars, fight 'till we win!
Fight for our colors BLACK AND WHITE!
And for Fenwick and victory!

When singing Fenwick's fight song, "BLACK AND WHITE" is typically shouted.

[edit] Extra-curricular achievements

Fenwick's athletic teams are called the Fenwick Friars, and the school has a substantial athletic history with superior accomplishments. Fenwick was city football champions in 1945 and later achieved the greatest performance in Prep Bowl history during the 1962 season. With a crowd of 91,328 at Soldier Field, Half Back Jim DiLullo rushed 12 times for 224 yards while scoring 5 touchdowns, allowing the Friars to complete a perfect season, smashing Schurz High School 40-0 during the championship game among the 3rd largest crowd in Prep Bowl history. [15] [16]

The boys' varsity hockey team has played in the state championship game, held at the United Center, in five consecutive seasons (2002–2006), winning the state title (the Blackhawk Cup) in the 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons. The 2003–2004 team compiled a record of 62-9-2 and is considered one of Illinois' most accomplished high school hockey teams to have ever played in the Midwest.[13] The hockey team has won five straight Kennedy Cups, three of them over their hockey arch rival Loyola Academy.[17] The girls' basketball team won the Illinois state championship in 2001 and in 2007.[18] Fenwick also has a history of dominance in aquatic sports, with many back-to-back state championships for both girls and boys water polo, beginning with 3 state championships from 1990-1992. The most current state championships in water polo have been: 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008 seasons for the girls; 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 for boys.[19][20][21][22] The boys lacrosse team took the state championship in just its second year as a varsity program.[23]

Fenwick's academic teams are also highly competitive. The Math Team, currently ranked second in the nation, was state champion in 2002[24] and is also the highest scoring private school in the AA Division for 13 years in a row.[25] 2008 marks the 15th consecutive year for Fenwick's Math Team to qualify for state.[26] Fenwick's Scholastic Bowl Team is ranked in the top 10 nationally for the last 5 years and has been league champions for the last 4. [27] The 2008 Varsity Scholastic Bowl Team was 8-0, winning the prestigious 42 team Wheaton North Tournament over top-ranked rivals St. Ignatius College Prep, Latin School of Chicago and the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.[28] Fenwick's Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering/Junior Engineering Technical Society (WYSE/JETS) teams are also highly accomplished; Fenwick's WYSE/JETS teams are seven-time Illinois state champions and ranked 2nd nationally.[29] [30] The Wick (school newspaper), The Blackfriars Yearbook, and the Touchstone (literary magazine), have all been recognized with awards by the American Scholastic Press Association. The 2006-2007 edition of Touchstone was awarded first place with special honors by the American Scholastic Press Association-placing Fenwick's publication at the top 5% of all high school literary publications in the country. Touchstone has earned 970/1000 possible points by the American Scholastic Press Association, thereby allowing it to be a contender for the Most Outstanding High School Literary and Art Magazine. [31] [32] Fenwick speech teams and debate teams are also ranked highly, with 2007 marking the tenth consecutive year to have state qualifiers. [33] .[34]

As of 2007, Fenwick has 77 all-conference champions and 18 all-state athletes. The boy's JV hockey team and the girls pom pom team have also earned state championships.[13] Sports Illustrated has added Fenwick to its list of the "50 Best High School Athletic Programs in the Country", recognizing Fenwick as having the best athletic program in Illinois.[13] Fenwick's 2006-2007 swim/polo teams produced nine Academic All-American athletes.[35]

[edit] Traditions

Over the years, Fenwick has developed several traditions that have become a staple of the school's alumni recognitions and fundraising efforts. These include:

St. Martin de Porres Award: This award is named after St. Martin de Porres, a Dominican Friar in Spanish Colonial Peru, who served as a physician, dentist and pharmacist to help those who were enslaved. The award is exclusively given to Fenwick alumni working within the medical field and demonstrating excellence as either an M.D. or D.D.S. [36]

Accipiter Award: This award, meaning "hawk", is the highest honor Fenwick gives to their alumni whom have achieved excellence within the field of law. Induction ceremonies are held annually at the Union League Club in Chicago. The 2007 recipient was Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn. [37]

Lumen Tranquillum Award: This prestigious award is given to Fenwick alumni whom have built a life that is inspirational to young people. Recipients of this award may also be qualified to enter into Fenwick's Hall of Fame[38]

Blackfriars Dinner: This fundraising black tie gala is the most important event for creating scholarship aid to worthy students in need. It began in the 1950's as the "Sponsor's Dinner" to help with the difficulties of Fenwick's tution costs. Since its founding, the yearly benefit has raised millions of dollars for scholarships. The event has taken place at various elegant locations around Chicago, including the Cadillac Club and, most recently, the Imperial Ball Room at Chicago's Fairmont Hotel. The Lumen Tranquillum award is also presented at this event.[39]

Cog Hill Golf Outing: This yearly golf outing for Fenwick alumni is the largest of its type in the Chicago area. Typically, 450 of Fenwick's alumni attend yearly to play golf on the same course of the Western Open. [40]

Young Alums Boat Cruise: This yearly yachting excursion on Lake Michigan is a chance for Fenwick's young alumni to help fundraising for students in need while also catching up with old friends in a festive environment. Typically, each event will raise thousands of dollars to help needy students. [41]

[edit] Chapel

Fenwick's St. Dominic Chapel is the central feature of the school. Built in 1929, the chapel is designed in the Neo-gothic architectural style. Within the chapel are rows of carved choir stalls for the singing and recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours. The chapel is especially noted for it stained glass windows by Rinaldo Angelo Zarlenga, O.P., a Dominican Father from Rome, Italy whom had his artistic training within the Vatican and later set up a workshop at Fenwick's Dominican Priory in River Forest. Several of Zarlenga's works can be seen at Fenwick including: a bronze statue of St. Dominic, a bronze crucifix, a mosaic of The Last Supper, as well as 10 stained glass windows depicting the Virgin Mary, 8 Dominican Saints, and one Blessed. The chapel's 10 stained glass windows specifically depicts the following individuals: Albertus Magnus, Thomas Aquinas, St. Dominic, St. Peter, St. Martin de Porres, Pope Pius V , Catherine of Siena, Virgin Mary, Vincent Ferrer, and Fra Angelico.[42]

[edit] Notable alumni

[edit] References

[edit] Footnotes and citations

  1. ^ Fandal, O.P., Damian (September 26, 1978). To the Dominican Laity – 1979. Dominicans: Order of Preachers. Retrieved on 2007-05-29.
  2. ^ a b c Ministries - Dominican Vocations. Province of St. Albert the Great (2006). Retrieved on 2007-05-30.
  3. ^ a b c Chicago Tribune Magazine, Going Coed, Or How One School Shattered Tradition, Maintained Academic Standards and Stayed Solvent When It Said, "Harry, Meet Sally.. November 22, 1992
  4. ^ All-America. Time Inc. (November 9, 1953). Retrieved on 2007-05-30.
  5. ^ The Magazine, Fall 2007, Robert Dixon, Oak Park, Il.
  6. ^ Bunting and Lyon; Directory of Private Schools; 2007
  7. ^ The Magazine, fall 2007, Robert Dixon, Oak Park, Il.
  8. ^ Blue Ribbon Schools Program: 1982-1983 through 1999-2002 (PDF). U.S. Department of Education (2002). Retrieved on 2007-05-30.
  9. ^ Bunting and Lyon; Directory of Private Schools; 2007
  10. ^ The Magazine, Fall 2007, Robert Dixon, Oak Park, Il. p.26
  11. ^ Hope, Arthur J.; The Story of Notre Dame- 100 years, Chapter 28; 2007
  12. ^ Mitchell, L (May 15, 2007). Fenwick High School: New Field House and Renovations: (PDF). Project Management Advisors, Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-07-31.
  13. ^ a b c d Armstrong, Kevin; John Mahoney. "50 Best High School Athletic Programs in the Country", Sports Illustrated, June 19, 2007. 
  14. ^ O'Connor, C.W.(written by) and Friedman, Stanleigh P. (music by); Down the Field; Yale fight song
  15. ^ Sun Times may 30, 2007 "Fenwick a Perennial Power House
  16. ^ Fenwick :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: High School of the Week
  17. ^ "Fenwick Friars 2006-2007 Kennedy Cup Champions!!!", USA Hockey, Inc., March 2, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-06-10. 
  18. ^ IHSA Girls Basketball Menu. Illinois High School Association (2007). Retrieved on 2007-06-10.
  19. ^ IHSA Boys Water Polo Tournament Scores. Illinois High School Association (2007). Retrieved on 2007-06-10.
  20. ^ IHSA Girls Water Polo Tournament Scores. Illinois High School Association (2007). Retrieved on 2007-06-10.
  21. ^ Stablein, Tim. "Friars make quick work of Shamrocks", OakPark-Leaves.com (Sun-Times News Group), May 16, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-06-09. 
  22. ^ Stablein, Tim. "Mighty Macs end Fenwick's state tittle string", OakPark-Leaves.com (Sun-Times News Group), May 23, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-06-09. 
  23. ^ Stablein, Tim. "Moving up in class", OakPark-Leaves.com (Sun-Times News Group), June 5, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-06-10. 
  24. ^ Woolsey, Josh. "Atlantic-Pacific Contest Results (Division Update)", Atlantic-Pacific Mathematics League, March 6, 2007, pp. 3. Retrieved on 2007-06-10. 
  25. ^ National Merit Scholarship Corporation; Annual Report 2006; Evanston, 2006
  26. ^ Dixon, Robert, The Magazine, Oak Park, 2008)
  27. ^ Dixon, Robert, The Magazine, Oak Park, 2008
  28. ^ Dixon, Robert, The Magazine, Oak Park, 2008
  29. ^ Compton, Jillian. "Students nudge out rivals", Northwest Herald, April 19, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-06-10. 
  30. ^ The Magazine, Dixon, Oak Park, IL
  31. ^ The Magazine, Dixon, Oak Park, Il
  32. ^ American Scholastic Press Association (2007). "Annual Contest/Review for Scholastic Yearbooks, Magazines and Newspapers". Press release. Retrieved on 2007-06-10.
  33. ^ The Magazine, Dixon, Oak park, Il.
  34. ^ National Merit Scholarship Corporation; Annual Report 2006; Evanston, 2006
  35. ^ www.niscaonline.org; NISCA 2006-2007/ Speedo High School Academic All-Americans
  36. ^ The Magazine. Robert Dixon, Oak Park, Il.
  37. ^ The Magazine. Robert Dixon, Oak Park, Il.
  38. ^ The Magazine. Robert Dixon, Oak Park, Il.
  39. ^ The Magazine. Robert Dixon, Oak Park, Il.
  40. ^ The Magazine, Robert Dixon, Oak Park. Il.
  41. ^ The Magazine, Robert Dixon, Oak Park, Il.
  42. ^ The Magazine, Dixon, Oak Park, Il
  43. ^ www.teldta.com, TDS Telecom Officers and Management, Bio of James Barr III President and CEO
  44. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Fenwick: Friars a perennial powerhouse. Sun-Times News Group (May 30, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-05-30.
  45. ^ www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com, si.com Bates Battaglia Page (Toronto Maple Leaves)
  46. ^ chicagofire.mlsnet.com</ref.
  47. ^ http://faculty.deanza.edu/bresnanpatrick/
  48. ^ SenatorCronin.com - The Official Site of Illinois State Senator Dan Cronin
  49. ^ NHLPA Player Bio: Joseph Corvo. The National Hockey League Players' Association (2007). Retrieved on 2007-07-12.
  50. ^ www.imdb.com, internet movie database, Patrick Creadon
  51. ^ http/www.zoominfo.com/Search/PersonalDetail.aspx?PersonID=2954575
  52. ^ The Seattle Times, "The Cash Race is Blazing as Clinton Visit Nears" Oct. 25, 2007, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/200961580-clinton19m.html?syndication=rss
  53. ^ www.tv.com, biography of Amiee Garcia
  54. ^ www.legacy.com, Chicago Tribune death notices 2/20/2007
  55. ^ www.imdb.com, internet movie database, Kevin Jakubowski
  56. ^ Director, Dennis Paul Kelleher, spvs Superintendencia, www.spvs.gov.bo
  57. ^ Chris Nybo For City Council
  58. ^ www.pokerlistings.com, Ben Ponzio profile
  59. ^ Grammar and Style, Peter Ponzio and Children of the Night. Dream it! Do it! with Cynthia Brian
  60. ^ Dixon, The Magazine, Oak Park, Il. 2007
  61. ^ Timothy J. Rooney, Partner. Winston & Strawn LLP (2007). Retrieved on 2007-07-12.
  62. ^ Fenwick High School
  63. ^ www.cnnsi.com, sports illustrated.cnn.com, Marques Sullivan player profile
  64. ^ NBC5, NBC5.com General Information, Address - About Us News Story - WMAQ. Sun-Times News Group (2007). Retrieved on 2007-05-30.
  65. ^ Gene Wolande

[edit] Sources

[edit] External links