The Red Line Project

By Nimrah Pervez
The Red Line Project
@chitownstories

Posted: Monday, March 4, 2011

 Established in 1935 as a part of the Sacred Hearts Schools, The Hardey Preparatory School for Boys celebrates it's 75th anniversary this spring.

Located at 6250 N Sheridan Rd. in Rogers Park, the school began with 23 male students and has since grown honors 1,650 graduates.

“Activities galore mark this milestone,” said Diane Fallon, Communications director of the Sacred Hearts Schools, “A 9-foot banner proclaims the anniversary to the 50,000 cars that pass Sacred Heart daily. Hardey gentlemen wear anniversary lapel pins on their blazers as a daily reminder.”

Their 60th anniversary has sense become a memorable moment in the schools history, attracting almost 250 alumni, inlcuding a member of the orginal graduating class.

 Celebratory activities for the anniversary include “Hardey Celebration Day” in April where the boys will enjoy food and play games together. For alumni, the school will be hosting a luncheon and cocktail reception. Alumni will also be given the opportunity to shadow a student for the day.

“Being an elementary school, it’s hard to keep in touch with alumni, but luckily we do have a good amount of those who stay connected to the school,” Fallon said.

 The schools alumni has some notable alumni, as politicians, writers, and even Hollywood actors have emerged from the school.

Alexi Giannoulias was a graduate of Hardey Prep, and went on to serve as Illinois State Treasurer. Brad Thor, another graduate, went on to become a New York Times Best Selling Author. Billy Zane, best known for his role in “Titanic," is also Hardey Prep alumni.

"Neal Hardigan, who was the former attorney general, graduated from here as well. We are very proud of all our alumni” Fallon said.

Also being honored is Sister Pam Hickey, who became head mistress in the 1960’s.

“With this anniversary we will be celebrating Sister Hickey as well, she is also alumni,” said Kathryn Fivelson, Director of Alumni Relations.

Originally an all girls school, Hardey Prep was added due to demand for the same quality education as provided for their female students. The all boys wing was established in honor of Mother Aloysia Hardey, who opened more than 30 schools in not only the U.S, but Canada and Cuba as well.

Hardey Prep is known for it's dedication to not only education and religion, but also their efforts towards improving the community.

Numerous volunteer efforts are put in place, including an 8^th grade trip where students participate in community service, as a part of their 135 year old mission statement.

Hardey Prepartory School for Boys, class
of 1937 (Courtesy Photo/Hardey Prep)

The school has also been renovated numerous times, due in part to increasing students enrollment.

 “In 2004 we added a classroom wing, a large library area, and a rooftop playground,” Fivelson said.

Some buildings however, have been restored back to their original form in honor of their history. Located at 6200 N Sheridan, this 100 year old building, nicknamed “the mansion”, used to be where the boys had classes during the 1960's.

“It has been restored to its original splendor,” Fallon said, “It is now used for offices and special school events.”

Hardey Prep as it looks today. (Photo provided by Hardey Prep)

With 75 graduating classes, the school prides themselves on being diverse. The school grants enrollment to all religious and ethnic backgrounds, with 35 different countries represented by their students.

The same can be said about the ZIP codes represented by Hardey Prep. Thirty-six different zip codes combine to build their student body. Along with geographical diversity, the school also has funding to help students with the tuition. An estimated 20 percent of students utilize this.

While continuing their mission of educating students through religion and self service, Hardey Prep, a one time growing addition, is now as established as the girls wing.

Listen to commentary by a parent of a child at Hardy Prep!

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