Chicago Vocational High School

School in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Chicago Vocational High School

Address

2100 East 87th Street

Chicago

Illinois

60617

United States

Coordinates| 41°44′17″N 87°34′22″W﻿ / ﻿41.7381°N 87.5729°W﻿ / 41.7381; -87.5729
Information
School type|

* Public
* Secondary
* Vocational

Opened| 1941
School district| Chicago Public Schools
CEEB code| 140735[1]
Principal| Latasha M. Taylor
Grades| 9–12
Gender| Coed
Enrollment| 587 (2024–2025)[5]
Campus type| Urban
Color(s)|   Navy Blue
Gold[2]
Athletics conference| Chicago Public League[2]
Team name| Cavaliers[2]
Accreditation| North Central Association of Colleges and Schools[3]
Newspaper| Trademaster[4]
Yearbook| Technician[4]
Website| chicagovocational.org

Chicago Vocational High School (also known as Chicago Vocational Career Academy, Chicago Vocational Career Academy High School and locally known as CVCA or CVS) is a public 4–year vocational high school located in the Avalon Park neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Opened in 1941, the school is operated by the Chicago Public Schools district.

## History

[edit]

Planning for the school began in 1936 with the need for a new vocational school on the South Side of the city.[6] The school groundbreaking ceremony occurred in June 1938.[7][8] Construction began in 1939, and was partially funded through the Works Progress Administration.[6] With construction completed in April 1940, Chicago Vocational School opened with an all–male class of 850 in 1941.[6][9] Enrollment was further restricted to students who had already completed a year of high school.[10]

According to then Superintendent of Chicago Public Schools, Dr. William H. Johnson, the school's purpose was "the employ-ability of Chicago boys in the heavier trades and industries."[10] The Chicago Daily Tribune noted that the new school was "regarded as the most modern and best equipped trade school in the United States."[10] In June 1941, with entry into World War II imminent, the school was turned over to the United States Navy, where the school's emphasis would be on training aviation mechanics.[6][11][12]

This change from general vocational education to specific wartime training had been something anticipated as a possible future of the school shortly before it had opened.[10] Later, additional training for teachers and other civilians in national defense jobs was added. These defense related training courses permitted the Defense Priority Board to free up funds for purchasing more equipment for workshops, and to build a US$500,000 addition to the building. Construction also included a still–extant airplane hangar.[6] During this time, non–vocational courses were moved to Calumet High School.[6][13] By 1942, classes were being taught 24 hours a day to accommodate work and training schedules.[14][15][16]

February 1946 saw the academic classes return from Calumet High School, and a return to the normalcy that the school had virtually never known, with the Navy officially "handing back the keys" to the school on April 30, 1946.[17][18] 1946 also the admittance of the first women to the school.[14][19] CVS started offering night courses to help returning veterans who held a day job. For times, classes were being offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week to accommodate the varied hours of returning veterans.[14][20] The Navy had left behind an aircraft hangar, and a small number of relatively intact "war weary" combat aircraft, keeping aviation maintenance in the school's curriculum until 1995. This was highlighted in 1948 when students restored a Stinson Reliant monoplane to airworthy condition.

Rather than dismantle the plane and shipping it to an airport, the owner pilot received permission to wheel the plane onto nearby Anthony Avenue, and take off and fly it to Midway Airport; all in front of cameras for WGN-TV.[21][22][23] the school was home to a Civil Air Patrol Cadet squadron but 1958 saw the activation of the school's ROTC program; the first to be started in a Chicago high school since 1946. The same article noted that the entire population of the school was 4,000, with the first ROTC class seeing an enrollment of 250.[24]

## Academics

[edit]

When the school first opened, it was not a diploma granting institution, with students earning certificates for industry. Aside from vocational education, students only took courses in English and United States History,[10] Being a vocational and career academy, one of the core aspects of the school's curriculum is the Education-To-Careers (ETC) curriculum. Within this curriculum, students select a "major" from one of the "schools", such as the School of Construction and Manufacturing and the School of Transportation.[25]

Chicago Vocational High School is rated a 1 out of 10 by GreatSchools.org, a national school quality information site. [26] GreatSchools’ Summary Rating is based on four of the school’s themed ratings: the Test Score Rating, Student or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, and Equity Rating and flags for discipline and attendance disparities at a school.

## Athletics

[edit]

Chicago Vocational competes in interscholastic sports as a member of the Chicago Public League (CPL), and competes in state championship series sponsored by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The schools' sport teams are nicknamed Cavaliers. The school sponsors interscholastic athletic teams for men and women in basketball and volleyball. Men may compete in baseball, football, swimming & diving, and wrestling. Girls may compete in bowling, cross country, softball, and track & field.[27] While not sponsored by the IHSA, CVS sponsors a boys softball team which competes exclusively in the CPL. Unlike the fast-pitch variety played by girls, the boys play the 16 inch variety of softball.[28][29]

The boys' baseball team were public league champions four times (1952–53, 1975–76, 1979–80 and 1986–87) and Class AA twice (1979–80 and 1986–87). The boys' basketball team were Class AA twice (1975–76 and 2006–07) and regional champions four times (2006–07, 2008–09, 2014–15, and 2015–16). In 1988–89, The girls' bowling team were public league champions. The boys' cross country were Class AA four times from 1987 through 1991. The golf team were public league champions in 1951–52. In 1990–91, the boys' track and field team were public league champions and Class AA. The boys' wrestling team were public league champions in 1967–68.[30] The school was the site of the weightlifting competition for the 1959 Pan American Games.[31]

## Notable alumni

[edit]

* Michael Baisden – 1981, is a notable author (The Maintenance Man, Men Cry in the Dark) and radio talk show host. He is currently host of a nationally syndicated self–titled radio show. In 2008, he received a Keepers of the Dream Award from the National Action Network.[32][33][34]
* Yung Berg (Christian Ward) – (attended), is a rap artist (Sexy Lady).[35]
* Darron Brittman – 1981, was the first officially recognized NCAA Division I men's basketball season steals leader in 1985–86.[36][37]
* Dick Butkus – 1961, was an NFL linebacker for the Chicago Bears (1965–73). He was a two–time All-American at the University of Illinois, was an NFL first round draft pick in 1965, and was named to 8 All-Pro teams. He was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, and into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983. He was later named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team, NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, and the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. In 1985, he became the namesake of the Dick Butkus Award, given annually to the top collegiate linebacker.[38][39][40][41]
* Lou Collier – (attended), is a former MLB player (Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers, Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies).
* Marvin Freeman – 1981, was a Major League Baseball pitcher (1986–96). He was a member of the 1992 and 1993 Atlanta Braves who played in the World Series.[42][43][44]
* Robert L. Hines – (attended), American comedian.
* DeMarlo Hale – 1979, is a former minor league baseball player and manager. Since 2006, he has been the third base coach for the Boston Red Sox, including their 2007 championship season which culminated with the 2007 World Series.[38][45]
* Juwan Howard – 1991, was a professional basketball forward in the NBA (1994–2013). He was a member of the University of Michigan's Fab Five and won championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013. He then became a Heat assistant coach until 2019. Now he is the Head Coach of the Michigan Wolverines Basketball Team ! [46][47][48][49]
* Darryl Jones \- Current bass player for Rolling Stones, Miles Davis, and Sting
* E. J. Jones – 1980, is a former NFL fullback.[50]
* Bernie Mac (Bernard McCollough) – 1975, was a comedian and actor (The Original Kings of Comedy, Ocean's Eleven, Mr. 3000, The Bernie Mac Show). He was nominated for two Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and won four NAACP Image Awards.[51][52]
* Minyon Moore – 1976, served as Director of White House Political Affairs and Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison under President Clinton.[53][54]
* Dean Richards \- Film critic and entertainment reporter for WGN-TV and a longtime radio host for WGN (AM) in Chicago.
* Strings (Marinna Teal) – 1994, rap artist (Tongue Song)[55]
* Keena Turner – 1976, was an NFL linebacker who played his entire career (1980–90) for the San Francisco 49ers. He started, and was a member of the winning team in Super Bowl XVI, Super Bowl XIX, Super Bowl XXIII, and Super Bowl XXIV. He is currently Vice President of Football Affairs for the 49ers.[56][57][58][59]
* Juice Williams – 2006, was the starting quarterback for the University of Illinois football team from 2006 to 2009.[60]
* Chris Zorich – 1987, is a former NFL linebacker, playing most of his career (1991–97) for the Chicago Bears. Playing college football at the University of Notre Dame, he was a three–time All-American, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007.[52][61][62]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "High School Code Search". College Board. Archived from the original on August 30, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2010.
2. ^ a b c "Chicago (C. Vocational)". Illinois High School Association (IHSA). December 31, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2010.
3. ^ "Institution Summary for CVCA". AdvancED profile. North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2010.
4. ^ a b "Activities". Directory. Chicago Vocational Career Academy. Archived from the original on October 19, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2010.
5. ^ "Chicago Public Schools: Chicago Vocational HS". Chicago Public Schools. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
6. ^ a b c d e f Local Dream, Worldwide Influence Archived March 24, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, History of CVCA. Retrieved August 19, 2008
7. ^ CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDINGS, PRE-1940 CONTEXT STATEMENT, Chicago.gov
8. ^ "A second look at Chicago Vocational". WBEZ Chicago. May 21, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
9. ^ New Vocational School will be opened in 1940, January 1, 1940, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. 32. Retrieved August 19, 2008
10. ^ a b c d e Big New School will Train for Heavy Industry, August 4, 1940, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. W2. Retrieved August 19, 2008
11. ^ U.S. to Operate New Trade School, February 9, 1941, Paul Healy, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. SW1. Retrieved August 19, 2008
12. ^ Turn Vocational School into U.S. Training Center, May 10, 1941, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. 8. Retrieved August 19, 2008
13. ^ Open Vocational School Spet. 8 in Westcott Unit, July 12, 1942, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. SW5. Retrieved August 18, 2008
14. ^ a b c "It's Always Something, History of CVCA; accessed 19 August 2008". Archived from the original on March 24, 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2011.
15. ^ Bares Shortage of Teachers for Defense Trades, January 2, 1941, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. 6. Retrieved August 19, 2008
16. ^ Classes to Meet Round the Clock at Trade School, April 5, 1942, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. S6. Retrieved August 19, 2008
17. ^ Out of the Navy, May 1, 1946, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. 4; Retrieved August 19, 2008
18. ^ School Reopens to Give Civilians Training Center, February 24, 1946, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. SW4. Retrieved August 19, 2008
19. ^ City to Admit Girl Students to Vocational, August 25, 1946, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. SW13; Retrieved August 19, 2008
20. ^ S. Side Evening School Classes Begin Monday, September 8, 1946, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. SW4; Retrieved August 19, 2008
21. ^ Rebuilt Plane Flown From Pavement at Vocational School, April 17, 1948, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. 12; Retrieved August 20, 2008
22. ^ "CVCA History Beginnings". Archived from the original on March 24, 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2011.
23. ^ Welcome Home, History of CVCA (note: the school website lists 1947, but the reuse of the same photo, and the date on the newspaper articles is definitively 1948) Archived March 24, 2010, at the Wayback Machine; accessed 20 August 2008
24. ^ "R.O.T.C. Unit at Vocational Attracts 250", March 6, 1958, Chicago Daily Tribune, p. S1. Retrieved August 20, 2008
25. ^ "Schools of the Education-To Careers curriculum" Archived April 7, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 19, 2008
26. ^ "Best High Schools in Chicago, IL | GreatSchools". GreatSchools.org. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
27. ^ "Athletic offerings at CVCA". Archived from the original on April 18, 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2011.
28. ^ "Boys Softball in Illinois and its Origins from Indoor Baseball", Robert Pruter, Illinois Historic series, @ IHSA.org. Retrieved August 19, 2008
29. ^ "A Brief History of Boys Softball in the Chicago Public League" Archived September 6, 2012, at archive.today, September 29, 2006, Neil Hernandez. Retrieved August 19, 2008
30. ^ IHSA, Chicago (C. Vocational).Retrieved March 24, 2020.
31. ^ Lyke, Bill (August 29, 1959). "Drive Out to the Pan-Am Gamnes!". Chicago Tribune. pp. B1. ProQuest 182386533.
32. ^ "Michael Baisden" Archived January 9, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Chicago Public School Alumni Honor Roll. Retrieved August 18, 2008
33. ^ The Michael Baisden Show. @ABC radio Network. Retrieved August 18, 2008
34. ^ "Radio Host Michael Baisden to Receive Keepers of the Dream Award on 40th Anniversary..." Archived September 18, 2012, at archive.today, April 2, 2008, Thomson Reuters. Retrieved August 18, 2008
35. ^ Whitehorne, Jelani (February 4, 2008). "Yung Berg on Sexy Ladies and what he has in store for them this year". interview. Chicago Flame-Inferno. Retrieved January 2, 2009. "JW: You represent Chicago in your "Sexy Lady Remix." What part of Chicago are you from? YB: I'm from the Southside of Chicago. I attended CVCA and Curie for high school." [permanent dead link]
36. ^ "2009–10 NCAA Men's Basketball Records" (PDF). 2009–10 NCAA Men's Basketball Media Guide. National Collegiate Athletic Association. 2009. Retrieved October 17, 2010.
37. ^ Bissinger, H. G. (July 14, 1991). "For many, the lure of the promised land of the NBA never fades". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved October 17, 2010.
38. ^ a b "High School of the Week: Vocational, 25 April 2007, Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved August 18, 2008. Retrieved August 18, 2008". Archived from the original on December 22, 2007. Retrieved February 15, 2011.
39. ^ ""Dick Butkus biography". Retrieved August 18, 2008". Archived from the original on September 9, 2008. Retrieved February 15, 2011.
40. ^ Dick Butkus Pro Football Hall of Fame biography. Retrieved August 18, 2008
41. ^ College Football Hall of Fame profile
42. ^ Marvin Freeman stats @baseball-almanac.com. Retrieved August 18, 2008
43. ^ Marvin Freeman stats @baseball-reference.com. Retrieved August 18, 2008
44. ^ ""Marvin Freeman biography at Chicago Public School Alumni Honor Roll". Retrieved August 18, 2008". Archived from the original on January 9, 2011. Retrieved February 15, 2011.
45. ^ "DeMarlo Hale bio". @Boston Red Sox website. Retrieved August 18, 2008[usurped]
46. ^ "Juwan Howard" Archived September 1, 2010, at the Wayback Machine @nba.com. Retrieved August 18, 2008
47. ^ "Juwan Howard" Archived January 9, 2011, at the Wayback Machine biography at Chicago Public School Alumni Honor Roll. Retrieved August 18, 2008
48. ^ "Cleaning Up" Archived July 16, 2012, at archive.today, February 26, 1996, Johnette Howard, Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 18, 2008
49. ^ Zucker, Joseph. "Juwan Howard Agrees to 5-Year Contract as Michigan Basketball Coach". Bleacher Report. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
50. ^ "E.J. Jones Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
51. ^ "My student, Bernie Mac" Archived May 15, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, August 14, 2008, David McGrath, Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 18, 2008
52. ^ a b "High School of the Week: Vocational" Archived December 22, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, April 25, 2007, Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved August 18, 2008
53. ^ "Minyon Moore | the HistoryMakers". www.thehistorymakers.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
54. ^ "Politico : Politics, Policy, Political News". Politico. Archived from the original on March 2, 2009.
55. ^ "About Strings". Sonicbids.com. Retrieved April 19, 2018.
56. ^ VP "Keena Turner bio" Archived February 17, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. @49ers.com. Retrieved August 18, 2008
57. ^ "Keena Turner biography at Chicago Public School Alumni Honor Roll. Retrieved August 18, 2008". Archived from the original on December 24, 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2011.
58. ^ Keena Turner stats @pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved August 18, 2008
59. ^ Keena Turner stats and bio[usurped] @databasefootball.com. Retrieved August 18, 2008
60. ^ Garcia, Marlen (December 30, 2007). Illinois QB Juice Williams shoulders heavy load; USA Today; accessed 8 January 2009
61. ^ http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/SPORTS13/807180465/1021/Sports [permanent dead link]
62. ^ "Chris Zorich biography" Archived January 9, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Chicago Public School Alumni Honor Roll. Retrieved August 18, 2008

## External links

[edit]

* School website
* Official CPS page for Chicago Vocational High School

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