RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, In 1873, the citizens of Lake View Township voted to establish a high school. Built on land donated by the Graceland Cemetery Company, Lake View High School was constructed at a cost of $16,000 and opened its doors on May 4th, 1874; and,
WHEREAS, The original structure could accommodate up to two-hundred students with its six classrooms on the first floor, and an auditorium, principal's office, library, laboratory, and hall on the second. Ofthe seventy-three students who had passed the 1874 qualifying exam, eight were admitted for high school coursework, and the remaining sixty-five entered a remedial preparatory program; and,
WHEREAS, On Friday, March 13, 1885, a fire destroyed the entire building. A larger school was opened on May 28, 1886. In 1898, a new four-story addition was added. In 1916, a new five-story building was erected, and in 1939, another section was added. Lake View High School now covers a full-city block. Over the years growth has been extensive: a beautiful Campus Park was added in 1997 and a state-of-the-art science lab and student health center were added in 1998; and,
WHEREAS, In 1874, students were offered a comprehensive curriculum that could be completed in three years. Some ofthe subjects offered were Civil Government, General History, Cicero's Seven Orations, Virgil's Aeneid, Horace's Odes, Epodes and Satires, Homer and Caesar. Math classes consisted of Algebra, Geometry, Plane and Spherical Trigonometry and University Algebra. Among the foreign languages offered were Greek, Latin, German and French and the sciences choices included Physiology, Botany, Chemistry and Zoology. In addition to all of that, students in 1874 took Common English, English Literature, Mental Philosophy, Natural Philosophy, Logic, and Latin Prose Composition; and,
WHEREAS, Lake View's curriculum can no longer be completed in three years. Lake View's curriculum has greatly expanded and requires completion of 24 units of credit taken over four years. Lake View also boasts a Math Science and Technology Academy, an International Language and Career Academy, and an AVID Program; and,
WHEREAS, Lake View High School has certainly grown over the years. Thousands of students, teachers and staff have passed through these doors since the morning of May 4, 1874 when Lake View opened for the first time to 73 students under the guidance of principal Dr. Augustus F. Nightingale; and,
WHEREAS, Lake View High School has seen admirals, generals, judges, politicians, entertainment stars and business leaders graduate from its halls of academia; Edgar Bergen, Gloria Swanson and Tom Bosley, author John Gunther, former State Representative Sidney Yates, Eugene Schulter, former Alderman of the 47th Ward, Lynne Kawamoto, Associate Judge, Philip Thorek, founder of Thorek Hospital, Abe Saperstein, founder of the Harlem Globetrotters, along with 30th Ward Alderman Ariel E. Reboyras and Reverend George A. Rice, pastor of the Addison Street Community Church and president of the Friends of Lake View are among the countless notables that had the honor of attending this school; and,
WHEREAS, Lake View High School has had 14 principals since 1874 and while the building has changed, the school and community surrounding Lake View have remained committed to providing students with a high-quality education. From Dr. Nightingale to the current principal,
Mr. Scott M. Grens along with his committed staff of today, Lake View High School emphasizes the importance of "earnest study," "college" and their commitment to developing "true citizens." As they approach their 140th year of educating students, Principal Scott M. Grens looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that is unique among Chicago Public High Schools; and now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 5th day of November 2014 AD do hereby express our congratulations and best wishes to all members of the Lake View High School family on their 140th anniversary; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to a representative of Lake View High School.
Arieht. Reboyras Alderman, 30th Ward