Saint George High School

History

As early as 1913, pastors of the North Shore District saw a gap in the education of boys in the Evanston area. It was then that the dream of a Catholic, Christian Brothers high school was born. Through years of war and an unstable economy, the dream remained. St. George was the culmination of that dream, and since then, the school and its alumni have taken their place among the pillars of the Evanston community.

Upon opening, St. George High School was the largest and most modern school in the archdiocese, and many of its features were the first of their kind in any high school in the country. Br. Justinus Elzear, a dynamic and accomplished educator, led the school through its early years. During his term, parents' clubs, The Georgian yearbook, The Dragon school paper, the band, the dramatic society, and the debating society were founded. Football, basketball, swimming, boxing, baseball, and track teams were also formed.

During the years of World War II, Brother Ignatius Patrick introduced several classes for students called to serve. Many seniors who took examinations for Officer Candidates brought honor to St. George by their performance.

In addition to the school’s academic rigor, Dragon athletic teams also enjoyed great success. The football team of 1943, under legendary coach Max Burnell, won the Catholic League & City of Chicago championships and went on to beat the New York City champions. The cross-country team, under coach Don Amidei, won nine conference titles between 1953 and 1962. The basketball, baseball, and golf teams were formidable as well.

St. George students developed a spirit and camaraderie in addition to classroom excellence and athletic achievement, that remains to this day. Student assemblies in the gym and the student/faculty basketball game were activities that brought both students and faculty together. 

The Brothers who taught at St. George modeled both Lasallian values and the St. George spirit. Br. Michael Ryan’s good nature, despite his battle with MS, and Br. Albert’s love of literature are examples that has inspired St. George students for generations.