Radio Station, Others Work to Keep Chicago South Side Catholic High School
Hales Franciscan High School had about 140 students two years ago. Today, the Chicago South Side high school has just 40 students.
On Friday, the school held a big fund-raiser – with the help of black radio station WVON – to help save the school at 4930 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
The predominantly African American school considered closing its doors at the end of last school year.
“We need to raise funds to make sure we complete the school year,” said Nichole Jackson, principal of Hales Franciscan.
The catholic school is facing a $300,000 shortfall. Its budget this year is $1.19 million.
Hales Franciscan hoped to raise at least $20,000 in its “Spartan Day” fund-raiser, which was broadcast on the WVON.
A steady stream of financial contributors walked into the school during the broadcast.
Final figures from the fund-raiser were not available at the Chicago Citizen Newspaper deadline.
The school plans other fund-raisers throughout the year.
Financial problems are not new to the Hales Franciscan. The school has fiscally struggled for years.
In 2013, Hales Franciscan, which had originally been an all-male school, converted into a coed institution in hopes of boosting its enrollment. There were just 125 students in the school the previous year. Hales Franciscan can hold 400 students.
But the strategy backfired, Jackson said.
Many parents pulled their sons out of the school because they wanted them to receive an education in an all-male enrollment, she said.
So, the 53-year-old high school accepted its last freshman girl this semester. The school’s 12 female students are allowed to continue their education until they graduate. But the school is no longer accepting girls, Jackson said.
Melody Spann Cooper, chairwoman of Midway Broadcasting Corp., the parent company of WVON, said keeping the school’s doors open was important to ensure that a private school continued educating black males.
“I believe there is a crisis for the future of black males,” said Spann Cooper, who also is a Hales Franciscan board member. “All of us need to do what we can to support them.”
And education, is a way to help young black males, she said.
Some of the more high profile alumni have included, JaVale McGee, of the Dallas Mavericks professional basketball team and Dr. Richard Gardner, a physician.
Alfred Lott, 17, said the school is helping him reach his goals to attend college and play sports.
The senior, from the Bronzeville neighborhood, is a Hales Franciscan basketball and baseball player.
Lott, who has a 3.3. grade point average, is getting noticed by colleges for his baseball skills.
“I have made some close relationships here,” said Lott, who added that he was mentored by older students in the past.
Jailyn Brown, 16, just wants the school to survive.
“We need more support,” Brown said. “Education is important. We need more people to know about us so we can get help.”
To make a contribution to the school, call 773-285-8400.
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