Saint Mel High School

Origins and Early History

In 1917 a parish school opened on the west side of Chicago. St. Mel High School was the dream of Fr. McDonnell, the pastor of St. Mel church. Over 30 years, Fr. McDonnell purchased properties and erected nine separate buildings, including a basement church, two separate grammar schools (one for boys and one for girls), two rectories, a convent, and finally, the high school and Brother’s home. The Archdiocesan newspaper, The New World, said of the ambitious project that it was “. . . destined to make St. Mel a jewel in the crown of Chicago’s Catholic kingdom.” 

St. Mel’s Tradition and Legacy

St. Mel became well-known throughout the city and developed a tradition of scholarship, zeal, and dedication to Catholic action. Its training in religion, academic, and cultural disciplines, as well as its military and physical education programs, made it one of the premier schools in Chicago.

St. Mel students competed in football, basketball, tennis, and fencing. The school also offered wrestling, swimming, track, and boxing. At different times throughout its history, St. Mel had its own ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps), a drum & bugle corps, a choir, a glee club, a drama club, and a debate team. The football team was once headed by pro football Hall of Famer Paddy Driscoll, who had played and/or coached with the Bears and then-Chicago Cardinals. The Knights also won city titles in basketball. 

An anonymous alumnus remembers: "The Christian Brothers at St. Mel High School were better teachers back then than most college professors at our best prep schools today. They did it for their love of God, just as the nuns of the time were doing. What a great deal of gratitude we, who were educated by them, owe them."