SAINT PATRICK HIGH SCHOOL BEGINS 162nd YEAR IN SCHOOL’S HISTORY
(Chicago, IL, September 22, 2022) – On Friday, August 19, Saint Patrick High School welcomed the largest incoming class in three years for the start of the 162nd year in the school’s history. The newest class of freshmen were greeted by students, administration, faculty and staff as they entered the building with the remainder of the student body resuming classes on Monday, August 22.
The entire Shamrock community will celebrate the start of the 2022-23 school year with the Inaugural Back to School Block Party this Saturday, September 24. The event, sponsored by City Auto Group, Diversified Print Group, Mancini Law Group PC, Marino Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Mullarkey Distributors and Unforgettable Edibles, will take place in the school’s Belmont Parking Lot from 2 pm – 6 pm. The day will include local food vendors, beverages, raffles, games and live performances from the SPHS Band, the SPHS Cheer and Dance teams and renowned cover band Maggie Speaks.
President Dan Santucci ’02, along with new Principal John Harrington and a dedicated administration and diverse group of new and returning faculty and staff members, are committed to the school’s mission of turning boys into young men. As part of a five-year strategic plan and vision to prepare students to reach their educational and career goals, the new administration will unveil plans, including new course offerings and renderings for a redesigned Library Media Center, in the coming weeks and months.
In Santucci’s first year as president, Saint Patrick unveiled a rebrand to refresh and update its logos, colors and identity to modernize the look and feel of Saint Patrick while still honoring the school’s strong sense of tradition. With the introduction of the rebrand came a building enhancement plan to upgrade the school and its facilities. The $1 million enhancement plan included the resurfacing of the existing turf field, repaving of both parking lots, new furniture for every classroom, landscaping improvements and many other cosmetic and structural upgrades.
The tradition of Shamrocks coming home to 5900 W. Belmont continued this year as Kevin Golden ’05 was appointed Chief of Staff & Operations; Markeise Russell ’11 was named Assistant Principal for Teaching & Learning; Russ Lucas ’81 returned as Director of Attendance and Football Coach; and Joe Cermak ’04 was hired as Director of Admissions.
In addition, Luke Mertens ’94 took the helm as the Shamrock’s head football coach, the first alum to be named to the post in the school’s history. Led by Mertens, and a new coaching staff including Offensive Coordinator Tom Barrett ’06 and former head football coach Defensive Coordinator Dan Galante, the team is off to a 3-1 start including a big win over previously ranked St. Ignatius to start the season and a come-from-behind Homecoming victory in overtime over Marian Central.
Last Friday, Saint Patrick welcomed a record 130 future Shamrocks for their Homecoming Pep Rally Shadow Day. As we head into the fall, St. Pat’s looks forward to welcoming over 300 8th grade boys for its remaining Shadow Days and 6th-8th grade families from across the Chicagoland area to Open Houses on Thursday, October 20 and Sunday, October 23. Any families interested in learning more should visit www.stpatrick.org/admissions.
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ABOUT SAINT PATRICK HIGH SCHOOL
Now in its 162nd year, Saint Patrick High School’s mission is to prepare leaders inspired by faith, tradition and brotherhood. Guided by innovative Lasallian principles, Saint Patrick welcomes students of other religious beliefs, varying academic abilities, and diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Sloan
Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications
773.282.8844 ext. 231 | jsloan@stpatrick.org
