Maryville Academy celebrates 137 years; thanks staff, supporters

As Maryville Academy gears up for its 137th birthday on Friday, Aug. 14, Executive Director Sister Catherine Ryan, O.S.F., said the celebration will focus on Maryville staff and supporters - their dedication, hard work and service to caring for Maryville's children and families.

"We stand on the shoulders of those who have developed Maryville during its 137 years," Sr. Cathy said. "How better to prepare for the future than to look to our colleagues who have been attending to the needs of our children for many years."

Maryville, located on three campuses in Bartlett, Chicago and Des Plaines, was formerly St. Mary's Training School. On Aug. 14, 1883, the Governor of Illinois granted permission for St. Mary's Training School to go ahead as an incorporated school that served as the home and education for the youth.

It was in 1950 when the children engaged in a contest to select a new name for St. Mary's Training School. The children "went to the polls" and chose the name "Maryville Academy" for their community. The campus in Des Plaines was often referred to as City of Youth.

Maryville's growth and impact have touched thousands of lives. From its humble beginnings in 1883, Maryville today serves the community in six service areas: Behavioral Health Services, Early Childhood Services, Educational Services, Family Services, Jovenes Adelante Services and Residential Services.

Today, Maryville continues its mission of healing children, strengthening families, and building a better community. Maryville looks to the future, to the needs of children and to the ways Maryville can address these needs. Its leadership team and staff and their many community supporters are steadfast in transforming the lives of more children and families, in helping them reach their fullest potential and in making a lasting difference in the next 137 years and beyond.