Cheverus High School



Cheverus High School is a private, Jesuit, college-preparatory school in Portland, Maine. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. Cheverus High School was founded in 1917 as a Diocesan school and was named after French Roman Catholic Cardinal Jean-Louis Lefebvre de Cheverus. The Society of Jesus took over responsibility of the school in 1942.

Campus
The school is located on property overlooking Portland's Back Cove. It consists of two buildings: the Main building and Loyola Hall, (named after Saint Ignatius of Loyola). Most math and science classes are taught in the main building, while English, history, theology, and fine arts classes are taught in Loyola Hall. The sports facilities are in the Rev. John Keegan Gymnasium, which connects to the main building. The campus also includes Boulos Stadium and Shea Field.

History
Originally named The Catholic Institute High School, it was renamed Cheverus in 1926 after the first bishop of Boston, John Cheverus. Cheverus was first located on Free Street, moved to Cumberland Avenue in 1946, and then moved to its current location on Ocean Avenue in 1952.

Cheverus was originally run by diocesan priests. In 1942, the Society of Jesus took over responsibility of the school.

In 2000, the school became Coeducational.

Sex abuse scandal
In 1998, nine male alumni claimed that they had been molested while attending Cheverus. Two former faculty members were accused. The school confirmed the abuse and apologized to the victims. The victims also accused both Cheverus High School and the Portland Diocese of hiding information, and that they had previously known about the abuse. Settlements to victims have reached a cumulative seven figures, with ongoing counseling additional. Primarily, two long time Cheverus faculty members, one the former chair of the English Department, the other, the former head of the Track Team, have admitted they are guilty. Both teachers lost their jobs at Cheverus in 1998.

Academics
Cheverus offers 12 AP classes, and has an honors option for most of its courses. Students must take 25.5 courses in 4 years, including at least 4 mathematics courses, 4 English courses, 4 Religion courses, 3 science courses, 3 foreign language courses (continuing within the same language), and 3 social studies courses.

In 2005, the schools' average Verbal SAT score was 575, and the average math score was 576.

Athletics
Cheverus offers many varsity sports, including soccer, lacrosse, sailing, cross country, football, field hockey, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, indoor track, track & field, softball, baseball, alpine and nordic skiing, and lacrosse. Cheverus has won 59 Class A State Championships in the following sports:

Boys Cross Country (18): 1971, 1972, 1974, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2009

Girls Cross Country (1): 2009

Boys Basketball(9): 1930, 1940, 1948, 1961, 1981, 1982, 1997, 2008, 2010

Football (2): 1985, 2010

Boys Golf (1): 2005

Boys Ice Hockey (2): 2005, 2006

Boys Soccer (1): 2001

Boys Swimming (1): 1979

Boys Tennis (4): 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

Boys Indoor Track (17): 1977*, 1978*, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998

Boys Outdoor Track (10): 1979*, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1994, 1997, 1998

Girls Ice Hockey (1): 2010


 * *Denotes Class B Championship

Spirituality
Cheverus’ Campus Ministry provides opportunities for students to experience Jesuit tradition and develop their own personal faith through prayer, reflection and services. Campus Ministry programs include liturgies and services, retreats, and involvement with Habitat For Humanity. Cheverus High School gathers for worship at significant times during the year. During a regular week, Mass is held for students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends in the Loyola Chapel on every morning at 7:15 a.m. In addition to its Theology program, which is the academic component, Cheverus has a retreat program tailor-made to meet the spiritual needs of its students.

Dress code
Both male and female students are required to wear a suit coat, a button-down uniform shirt, and dress shoes. Male students must also wear a tie and dress pants, while females may wear either skirts or dress pants. 

Notable alumni

 * Joseph E. Brennan, former governor of Maine
 * Ian Crocker, Olympic swimmer
 * Dick Joyce, Major League baseball player
 * Charles J. Loring, Jr., Medal of Honor recipient, namesake of Loring Air Force Base
 * John O'Leary, Mayor of Portland, Maine and U.S. Ambassador to Chile 1998-2001

School Administration

 * Rev. William R. Campbell, S.J., President
 * John H.R. Mullen, Principal
 * William L. Burke, Academic Vice Principal
 * Gary G. Hoyt, Athletic Director