Closing its doors in 2008, Daniel Murphy High School had a rich history. This Catholic all-boys school stood in Los Angeles. It was more than just bricks and mortar. It was a place of learning, growth, and community.
Daniel Murphy High School’s story began long before 1954. The site was once home to Los Angeles College. This was a Catholic junior seminary. Cardinal Roger Mahony is one notable alumnus of Los Angeles College. From 1926 to 1953, the seminary thrived here. Then it moved to the San Fernando Valley. It was renamed Our Lady Queen of Angels Seminary. Today, Bishop Alemany High School occupies that campus.
In 1954, the site transformed. It became St. John Vianney High School. The school was named after the patron saint of parish priests. In 1956, the Dominicans took over its operation. Seismic concerns led to a new building. It was constructed next to the original one. By 1966, the original building was demolished. Only St. John Vianney Chapel remained. It was a relic of the seminary days.
The school’s name changed again. It honored Daniel Murphy. He was a businessman and civic leader. His foundation generously funded the new building. In 1981, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles took over.
Daniel Murphy High School held a special place in the city. It was a rival to Loyola High School. This Jesuit all-boy school was in Harvard Heights. The rivalry was mostly good-natured. But it sometimes became intense.
In October 2007, the news broke. Daniel Murphy High School would close. The reason? Declining enrollment. The closure coincided with the archdiocese’s $660 million settlement to abuse victims. The archdiocese denied any connection. They insisted the decision was due to low enrollment.
Parents, students, and alumni were devastated. They offered to pay more tuition. They believed it would keep the school open. The archdiocese deemed the decision “irrevocable”. The Alumni Association and parents fought to save Daniel Murphy. But their efforts were in vain.
The final graduation took place on May 30, 2008. The last day of school was June 6, 2008. The archdiocese initially had no plans for the site. Later, they announced it would be sold.
In 2009, St. John Vianney Chapel closed. The last principal, Sharon Dandorf, attended. Many Murphy alumni were also present.
The Jewish Journal reported the sale in April 2009. Yeshiva Aharon Yaakov-Ohr Eliyahu bought the campus. This Orthodox day school was formerly in Culver City.
Daniel Murphy High School, the Nobles, competed in the Del Rey League. They achieved Southern Section basketball championships. This happened in 1972, 1973, and 1986.
Many notable figures walked the halls of Daniel Murphy. Kenya Barris, the creator of “Black-ish,” is an alumnus. Bob Lutz, a tennis player, also attended. Bernard Parks, former Los Angeles police chief, is another notable graduate. Even Harry Nilsson, the singer-songwriter, spent time at St. John Vianney. Dave Trembley, former Baltimore Orioles manager, coached baseball at Murphy.
Daniel Murphy High School may be gone. But its legacy remains. It lives on in the memories of its students, faculty, and alumni. A Murphy man is a Noble man.