214 @ 100: In the beginning there was Arlington High School
In 1922, District 214 built its first high school on Euclid Avenue in Arlington Heights. Costing $150,000, Arlington High School had nine classrooms, an auditorium and a gym, and in 1923 it graduated its first class of 101 students. Until 1957 it was the only District 214 school and six additions were built in 1928, 1938, 1946, 1949-50, 1952-53 and 1956 to handle enrollment. Arlington was more than just a school; it was part of the community. The Cardinals and their beloved building, dubbed "The Lady in Red," were a tight-knit group with a proud past. From the unspoken rule of not stepping on the Cardinal crest in the Grace Gym foyer, to homecoming snake dances through town, Arlington was something special. The school closed in 1984 amid districtwide declining enrollment, but graduates still return to visit what is now the private Christian Liberty Academy. The most recent big event was last fall, when District 214 hosted a centennial celebration for more than 300 people.
A century of education: District 214 at 100
Northwest Suburban High School District 214 has had thousands of special moments, people and places over its 100-year-old history. In the next few months we're highlighting 100 of them - one for each year of this remarkable school district. We welcome your ideas at district214@dailyherald.com. Otherwise keep checking this page as we add more vignettes.