Loyola Academy is a private, co-educational college preparatory high school, located in Wilmette, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. Located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, it is one of 47 Jesuit high schools in the United States and is a member of the Jesuit Secondary Education Association. It is also the largest Jesuit high school in America, with over 2,000 students from more than 80 different zip codes throughout the Chicago area.
[edit] History
Loyola Academy was founded as a Roman Catholic, college preparatory school for young men in 1909. The school was originally located in Rogers Park, Chicago, on the campus of Loyola University Chicago's Dumbach Hall; it moved to the current Wilmette campus in 1957. Both Loyola University and its prep school adjunct, Loyola Academy, were named after the Basque intellectual and Spanish Army General, Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits).
As a precondition to granting approval to move to the suburbs, the Archdiocese of Chicago required the Jesuits to stipulate that they would continue to serve the young Roman Catholic men of the city of Chicago. Consequently, Loyola Academy had a significant representation of Chicago residents, of various financial means which gave the school an economic diversity unique in the Chicago area.
During the bulk of its history, Loyola Academy maintained the strict disciplinary and academic regimen seen in most exclusive American prep schools. Students were required to wear blazers and ties, maintain silence when moving between classes, attend weekly Mass on campus, address their teachers as either "sir" or "Father," and maintain a demeanor befitting the Jesuit educational ideal of "Men for others."
One of Loyola's "sister schools" was Regina Dominican High School, an all-girls Academy located less than a mile away in Wilmette. Beginning in 1970, small groups of select Regina students began commuting to Loyola to take selected advanced science and computer science classes, as these classes were unavailable on their campus at the time.
The Jesuit presence has not been as large as it used to be in the school's past, with some 40 priests teaching and working at the school in 1961, down to 11 out of roughly 200 staff members in 2007.[8]
In 1994, Loyola Academy merged with Saint Louise de Marillac High School, an all-girls high school from Northfield, Illinois, which was on the verge of bankruptcy and became a co-educational school [1]. In 2003, Loyola Academy opened a new 60-acre (240,000 m2) campus in Glenview, Illinois. The property, once part of the abandoned Glenview Naval Air Station (NAS Glenview), was purchased by Loyola in 2001 and now houses several athletic fields for lacrosse, baseball, softball, and soccer, a cross country path, and a wetland preserve area that has been used as a natural laboratory for science classes.
While Loyola Academy is a Jesuit, Catholic school, it has always welcomed non-Catholics seeking a Loyola education.
[edit] Academics
Loyola Academy offers a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum with over 110 courses in language arts, fine arts (dance, music, theater, visual arts, and architecture), foreign languages (Spanish, French, German, Latin, Mandarin Chinese and Ancient Greek), mathematics, physical education, science, social studies, and theology. (As it is a college-preparatory high school, it does not offer any true vocational courses.) The school has two competitive honors programs (the Dumbach Scholars and the Clavius Scholars), and a plethora of students enrolled in AP classes. Loyola also offers the O'Shaughnessy Program, which assists students who show the potential for success in college but may require smaller classes and extra help from teachers. Annually, about 99% of students are accepted by four-year universities.
Loyola has a particularly strong tradition of educating students in the classics. The school fields a Certamen team, and in 2005, six students received perfect scores on the National Latin Examination, while 44 others were named Gold Medalists. In addition, Loyola Academy is one of only three high schools in the Chicago area to offer Ancient Greek as a language course, and is the only high school in Illinois to offer a four year Ancient Greek program. Loyola is also very active in forensics, Scholastic Bowl, and Science Olympiad competitions.
Aerial photo of Loyola Academy's Wilmette campus
[edit] Service
Loyola places a particularly strong emphasis on community service, encouraging their students to be "Women and Men for Others, Leaders in Service." During the summer, many students join service sites across the United States and around the world, and during the school year, Loyola's "Life! Be In It!" program allows students to in participate in Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity International, and various other community outreach programs. One of Loyola's stated objectives is that every graduate be "committed to doing justice," and thus it encourages students to contribute to their communities and learn more about the world around them. These service programs are complemented by a series of religious retreats.
[edit] Athletics
Loyola Academy offers 16 women's sports and 17 men's sports. The Ramblers (borrowing their nickname from the teams at Loyola University). The school competes as a member of the Chicago Catholic League.
Prior to the IHSA Football Championships (1974), Loyola won the Prep Bowl in 1965, 1966 and 1969. Loyola won the state championship in football in 1993 and were runners-up in 1992.
In 2009, the men's cross country team was ranked #1 in the nation for a week by Dyestat, was state runner-up, third at the Nike Cross Nationals Midwest Regional, and received an at-large bid to join York and Neuqua Valley at the national meet in December.[citation needed]
Other successful sports programs include lacrosse, crew and ice hockey. Each of these programs have won state championships within the last ten years in both the men's and women's programs. Additionally, the crew program has won national championships. The men's hockey team has reached the State Finals four times from 2001-2006, and the State Final Four every year since 2000, with the exception of 2005.The team is a member of the Midwest Prep Hockey League.[citation needed] The men's lacrosse team has the most state championships in Illinois, including three straight from 2002 to 2004.[citation needed]
[edit] Notable alumni
[edit] Athletics
- George Bon Salle was a first round draft pick in the 1957 NBA Draft. He played briefly with the Chicago Packers.[9]
- John Dee was the head men's basketball coach at the University of Alabama (1953-56) and the University of Notre Dame (1964-71).[10]
- R. Jerome Dunne was an Olympic decathlete[11]
- Colin Falls is a former Notre Dame basketball player who played professionally for Italy's Orlandina Basket.[12]
- Dave Finzer was an NFL punter (1984-85).[13][14]
- John Fitzgerald was an Olympic pentathlete, competing in the 1972 and 1976 Olympics.[15]
- Paul Florence was a Major League Baseball catcher (1926), playing for the New York Giants.[16]
- Tim Foley was a All-Pro NFL defensive back (1970-80), playing his career with the Miami Dolphins. He was a member of the Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl VIII champions.[17]
- Jeffrey Jordan is a basketball player and son of NBA MVP Michael Jordan[18]
- Charlie Leibrandt was a Major League Baseball pitcher (1979-93). Pitching most of his career for the Kansas City Royals, he was a member of the 1985 World Series Champions.[17][19]
- Freddie Lindstrom was a Major League Baseball third baseman and outfielder (1924-36), playing most of his career with the New York Giants. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976.[20] 2
- Lucas McGee was a United States National Rowing Team member.[21]
- Bert Metzger was an offensive guard, starring on the Notre Dame National Championship teams of 1929 and 1930. He was elected a member of the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982.[22]
- Al Montoya is an NHL goaltender (2008-present), playing for the Phoenix Coyotes.[23] 3
- Jim Mooney was an NFL player (1930-35).[24]
- Steve Quinn was a center (1968) who played for the Houston Oilers.[25]
- Nick Rassas was an NFL safety (1966-68), playing for the Atlanta Falcons.[26]
- Todd Rassas, professional lacrosse player[27]
- Bob Skoglund was an NFL end (1947), who played for the Green Bay Packers.[28][29]
[edit] Politics and public service
[edit] Arts and letters
- Pat Foley is a sportscaster, best known for his work in ice hockey with the Chicago Blackhawks.[37]
- Gilbert V. Hartke is a social activist and founded the drama department at the Catholic University of America.[38]
- Brendan Leonard is a television producer.[39] 1
- Mike Leonard is an author and correspondent for The Today Show[39]
- David Marconi is a screenwriter (Enemy of the State, Live Free or Die Hard).[40]
- Bill Murray is an actor and comedian (Lost in Translation, Caddyshack, Ghostbusters).[17]
- John Musker is an animated film director (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin)[41]
- Richard L. Newhafer, novelist and teleplay writer[citation needed]
- Jonathan Nolan, writer[30]
- Timothy L. O'Brien is a journalist and author.[42]
- Chris O'Donnell is an actor (Scent of a Woman, Batman Forever, NCIS: Los Angeles).[43]
- Westbrook Pegler was a newspaper columnist and critic of the Democratic Party.[44]4
- William Petersen, actor 5[citation needed]
- Bill Plante is a journalist with CBS News.[17]
- Gregory Qaiyum (GQ) is an actor and writer (The Bomb-itty of Errors).[45]
- Jeffery Ameen Qaiyum (JAQ) is a beatboxer and contributor to The Bomb-itty of Errors.[45]
- Robert Ryan, actor[citation needed]
- Eddie Shin, actor[citation needed]
- Peter Steinfels is an author (A People Adrift: The Crisis of the Roman Catholic Church in America)[30]
[edit] Business and technology
[edit] Notable staff
- 1 Did not graduate from Loyola; transferred to North Shore Country Day School after sophomore year.
- ² Did not graduate from Loyola; left after sophomore year to play in the minor leagues.
- ³ Did not graduate from Loyola; transferred to Fossil Ridge High School in Texas after sophomore year.
- 4 Did not graduate from Loyola; dropped out after a few semesters to take a job as a reporter.
- 5 Did not graduate from Loyola; moved to Idaho when he was 15 and transferred to Bishop Kelly High School.
[edit] References
- ^ "High School Code Search". College Board. http://apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_code/codeSearchHighschool.jsp. Retrieved 22 November 2009.
- ^ "President's Office". Loyola Academy. http://www.goramblers.org/Offices/president.asp. Retrieved 21 November 2009.
- ^ "Principal's Office". Loyola Academy. http://www.goramblers.org/Offices/principal.asp. Retrieved 21 November 2009.
- ^ a b "Wilmette (Loyola Academy)". Illinois High School Association (IHSA). 20 November 2009. http://www.ihsa.org/school/schools/2328.htm. Retrieved 21 November 2009.
- ^ NCA-CASI. "AdvanceEd-NCA Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement". http://oracle.advanc-ed.org/reporting/Locator.aspx. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
- ^ "Menagerie Arts". Loyola Academy. http://www.goramblers.org/Board/webpage.asp?PageID=1783. Retrieved 21 November 2009.
- ^ "Prep". Loyola Academy. http://www.goramblers.org/Board/webpage.asp?PageID=1789. Retrieved 21 November 2009.
- ^ Leavitt, Irv (25 October 2007). "Alumni reflect on their days at Loyola Academy". Wilmette Life (Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Pioneer Press). http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-11CA0EC9F0B11680.html. Retrieved 22 November 2009. "The number of priests and brothers at Loyola has dropped from about 40 in 1961 when Devine graduated to 11 now, out of a staff of about 200 ..."
- ^ George Bon Salle at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ John Dee, Jr. at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ R. Jerome Dunne at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ Bill Skowronski. "Irish ride Falls' marskmanship to Spokane." Evanston Review. 15 March 2007.
- ^ David Finzer at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ Dave Finzer bio & stats; databasefootball.com; accessed 19 June 2009
- ^ John Fitzgerald at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ Paul Florence at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ a b c d e "Loyola Academy facts." Chicago Sun-Times. 1 April 1992.
- ^ Dennis Mahoney. "Ramblers expand roles during summer." Glencoe News. 16 August 2007.
- ^ Charlie Leibrandt stats & bio; baseballcube.com; accessed 19 June 2009
- ^ Frederick Lindstrom at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ Rachel Quarrell. "Oxford's muscle to challenge Cambridge Olympians." The Independent (London). 5 March 2002.
- ^ Bert Metzger at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ Jim Coffman. "Montoya delays jump to professional career." Evanston Review. 29 July 2004.
- ^ James Mooney at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ Steve Quinn at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ Nicholas Rassas at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ Todd Rassas at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ Robert Skoglund at Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ Bob Skoglund stats & bio; database-football.com; accessed 19 June 2009
- ^ a b c Loyola Academy Viewbook. 2005.
- ^ Richard A. Devine profile; National District Attorney's Association; accessed 19 June 2009
- ^ Leavitt, Ira; Alumni reflect on their days at Loyola Academy; 25 October 2007; Wilmette Life; accessed 19 June 2009
- ^ RECOGNIZING LOYOLA ACADEMY OF WILMETTE; The Congressional Record; U.S. Senate; 8 April 1992; p. S5106; accessed 19 June 2009
- ^ "Alumni Making a Difference: Neal Katyal." Loyola Focus. Fall 2006.
- ^ Sheila Ahern. Daily Herald. 9 November 2006.
- ^ George M. O'Brien biography; Biographical Directory of the United States Congress; accessed 19 June 2009
- ^ Ken Keenan. "Foley brings pipes to Wolves." Des Plaines Times. 28 September 2006.
- ^ "Father Gilbert Hartke; leading drama figure." The New York Times 22 February 1986.
- ^ a b Mike Thomas. "For this North Shore teen, it pays to goof off." Chicago Sun-Times. 25 May 2003.
- ^ Bill Zwecker. "Writer probes national security." Chicago Sun-Times. 22 November 1998.
- ^ "Musker looks for gold on 'Treasure Planet.'" Antioch Review. 12 December 2002.
- ^ "Documenting Some of the Defining Moments of Our Time." Loyola Focus. Summer 2005.
- ^ Bob Goldsborough. "Actor Chris O'Donnell sells seldom-used townhouse here." Chicago Tribune. 10 February 2002.
- ^ Edd Applegate. Literary Journalism. Greenwood, 1996. 202.
- ^ a b Mary Houlihan. "Hip-hop Shakespeare." Chicago Sun-Times. 15 June 2001.
- ^ Katherine Roche. "To the best, they beat the best". Chicago Sun-Times. 23 October 2007.
- ^ Will Higgins. "Jim Irsay: Upbeat and offbeat." The Indianapolis Star. 18 January 2004.
- ^ Helfgot, Mike (22 October 2009). "Prep football: No. 5 St. Rita at No. 10 Loyola". Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/football/chi-23-prep-2foot-preview-st-rita-looct23,0,111522.story. Retrieved 21 November 2009. "The coach is John Holecek, a former Marian Catholic and University of Illinois star who played Kelly's middle linebacker position in the NFL from 1995 through 2002."
[edit] External links
