Established in 1959 West Leyden High School stands proudly in Northlake Illinois. Its story is one of growth community and achievement. Initially known as the Knights West Leyden’s athletic teams merged with East Leyden in 1981. The Eagles became the unified mascot reflecting the combined strength of both schools. West Leyden’s blue and gold colors were adopted for the unified program.
West Leyden’s academic record has had its ups and downs. The class of 2008 faced challenges in meeting state standards. Despite this the school has produced notable alumni. Among them is Manny Flores a Chicago City Council member. Tom Rooney a Republican Illinois Senator also taught US history at West Leyden for over two decades.
The school’s fine arts program shines. Music and theater groups consistently excel in regional state and national competitions. The Leyden Chamber Singers regularly perform at the Madrigal Dinner. The marching band has toured extensively across the US. The Speech and Performance Team regularly competes and hones their skills.
West Leyden has faced adversity. In 2019 social media threats led to a temporary shift to online classes. This unfortunately followed an incident where students’ social media accounts were allegedly monitored without parental notification. These events underscore the challenges faced by schools in today’s digital age.
West Leyden’s legacy extends beyond academics and the arts. Paralympic gold medalist Brody Roybal is a proud alumnus. His achievements highlight the school’s commitment to fostering diverse talents. West Leyden’s influence also reaches the world of music. Frankie Sullivan lead guitarist for Survivor a band formed with fellow Leyden alumni attended the school. Their hit Eye of the Tiger earned an Academy Award nomination.
West Leyden High School is more than a building. It is a vibrant community. It is a place of learning growth and achievement. Its past present and future are interwoven with the lives of its students faculty and alumni. The school’s story continues to unfold as it shapes the lives of future generations.