District 214 Honors Former Arlington High School; Looks Toward Future Centennial Events

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District 214 hosted an open house at the former Arlington High School as part of the 100 year anniversary celebration of District 214 this school year. Arlington High School was formed in 1914, and the building now owned by Christian Liberty Academy was opened in 1922. Arlington High School was closed in 1984 after declining enrollment led to a contentious process to decide which of eight district high schools to close. Forest View High School was closed two years later in 1986. Consequently while there were once three District 214 high school in Arlington Heights, the only school to remain open was John Hersey High School.

Christian Liberty Academy purchased the high school — outbidding Roosevelt University.

Today, District 214 honored Arlington grads with a well-organized event that also included the presentation of “Our Lady in Red,” a documentary on Arlington High School and its ties to community history.

Yearbooks from many years were available for browsing on tables organized by decade. Along Christian Liberty Academy’s beautiful gallery — remodeled in the east hallway — District 214 displayed letter jackets, vintage sports uniforms, “The Cardinal” school newspaper clippings, trophies, theater programs and even cafeteria trays were on display.


The Cardinal Seal that was installed in the center of the gym foyer in the 1960s was temporarily assembled in its old place — complete with the original chrome stanchions and red velvet ropes that are still used at John Hersey High School.

Arlington’s last principal, John Rowe, was scheduled to attend, but his flight to O’Hare was cancelled after an arson fire and criminal damage to property incident at Chicago Center Air Route Traffic Control Center in Aurora occurred early Friday morning and affected thousands of flights in an out of O’Hare and Midway.

Following the Arlington High School open house, a District-wide food drive and a three-day celebration of academics and co-curriculars, will highlight the past, present and future of District 214 schools.

“For 100 years, our schools have served as an anchor in the community, and as a longtime Board member, community member and most importantly, parent of District 214 alumni, I have always been impressed with the achievements of our students and dedication of all our teachers and staff,” said Bill Dussling, president of High School District 214’s Board of Education. “I invite the whole community to attend our celebration events and Discover District 214.”

On social media, students, staff, alumni and community members are encouraged to use the hashtag #214bday and post photos of the celebration.

Following today’s event at the former Arlington High School, students, staff, alumni and community members will gather to mark the Centennial at the following events:

Sunday, Nov. 9 – Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014 — District-wide Food Drive

The District’s six high schools and three alternative programs will collect food to benefit local food pantries. Students will deliver collection bags to as many homes as possible. Please participate by filling a bag, or bringing in food items to your local high school.

Thursday, Feb. 5 – Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 — Community Centennial Celebration
Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights 


• Thursday, Feb. 5: The celebration will kick off with a reception prior to the Board of Education meeting. Guests will include former Board members, superintendents and students whose academic achievements will be recognized. 


• Friday, Feb. 6: A free evening of musical and theatrical talent provided by nationally-recognized District 214 students. Performances will be held by band, orchestra, dance, acting and more. 


• Saturday, Feb. 7: Cheer on your favorite District 214 school as boys and girls varsity basketball teams play one another in a daylong, high-energy competition at the Centennial Classic.

District 214’s schools have been ranked among the nation’s 1,000 best high schools in U.S. News & World Report and are nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence District.

Check www.d214.org for updates and exact times on Centennial events, and follow District 214 on Twitter (@District214) or Facebook (High School District 214) for regular updates.

See more photos of Arlington Open House …

See more Arlington Seal photos …


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