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St. Ignatius High School Opens Its Doors
St. Ignatius College opens with an enrollment of 75 boys. Bishop Richard Gilmour and Fr. Michael Zoeller, S.J. worked together toward opening the school -
The Roaring 20s
St. Ignatius College was thriving with an enrollment of 279 boys and a faculty of 21. The invention of electronic street cars allowed students from both the eas and west suburbs of Cleveland to attend the school on W. 30th St. In 1924, St. Ignatius College split into two schools, St. Ignatius High School and John Carroll University. -
The Great Depression Years
In spite of the Great Depression, many extracurricular activities such as the Harlequins, marching band and debate club were offered, and school spirit was strong. The Alma Mater was written and composed by Band irector Jack Hearns. -
The War Years
During these years, most of the St. Ignatius graduates entered the military. Football was growing in popularity and Hockey became a varsity sport. The "Lighties" program was introduced for students who were too small to participate on regular teams. Enrollment grew to almost 700 and the faculty doubled in size. -
The 1950s
St. Ignatius athletic teams became known and respected as powerhouses, which furthered the schools reputation. Collared shirts and ties became the student uniform. -
The 1960s Brought Change
The senior lounge was created and vending machines replaced traditional hot lunches. Female teachers joined the faculty. The Christian Action Movement was established to address the service needs of the school's neighbors in Ohio City. The campus also changed, as the student center, Kirby Science Center, and St. Mary's Church were all built. -
The 70s
Wasmer Field and the library were both built in the late 1970s, and W. 30th Street became the Mall, which connects the campus with its neighborhood. The Mass of the Holy Spirit, held at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, was established and continues to this day. -
The 1980s
Enrollment grew to 1150. Computer education classes were introduced as part of the St. Ignatius curriculum. The Arrupe Neighborhood Partnership was formed and the first St. Ignatius Christmas Concert was performed at Severence Hall. -
The 1990s
In order to meet the academic, spiritual and athletic needs of its students, St. Ignatius High School expansion continued in the 1990s. The Murphy Gym, Kyle Field and Rini Concourse were all welcome additions to the growing campus, but the most treasured addition was the beautiful St. Mary of the Assumption Chapel. Also, the Latin tradition of the Chariot Races started. -
The New Millenium
Changes in technology have reshaped the St. Ignatius curriculum, and the advent of social media and new ways of communicating allow alumni and friends all over the world to stay connected. During this exciting decade, the school attracted national recognition for State Championships and academic achievements. St. Ignatius High School was named a Blue Ribbon School of National Excellence in 2009/
