Have you ever heard of a high school named after a corporation? Right here in Tinley Park, you can find Victor J. Andrew High School, a public high school named after Victor J. Andrew, founder of the Andrew Corporation, a telecommunications company. You’re standing on a school brimming with history and innovation.
Victor J. Andrew High School is the third school to become part of Consolidated High School District 230. In 1952, the voters of Palos and Orland Townships voted to combine two school districts. You might not realize that Victor J. Andrew High School was just the third high school in the district. The first two were Carl Sandburg High School and Amos Alonzo Stagg High School. Back in 1953, the second high school, Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, was constructed, but it took another 15 years until Victor J. Andrew High School was opened in the fall of 1977. The doors were opened for freshmen and sophomores only, and the school’s first ever graduating class was in 1980.
The school is known for its marching band, a nationally recognized group that competes in some of the most prestigious competitions. The marching band tradition started in 1979 and has gone through various directors throughout the years, but the school motto, “feet together, shoulders back, chins up, and eyes with pride,” can be heard every time the band takes the field. They prepare for the fall season at a church camp near Peoria, Illinois. The band also participates in the famous 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade. They have performed in Washington, D.C. and even traveled as far as California, Nashville, and Orlando. The band has certainly contributed a lot to the school’s long history and legacy. And since 2011, the school’s Winter Percussion Ensemble has won 2 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals in the Winter Guard International championships.
As a result of its commitment to academic excellence and dedication to extracurricular activities, Victor J. Andrew High School has fostered a vibrant and enriching environment for its students, making its name synonymous with innovation, empathy, and leadership. As you stand here today, just imagine the countless stories etched into the halls, the echoes of success, and the promising future that this school has to offer. Victor J. Andrew High School is more than just a school; it is a testament to community, passion, and the pursuit of greatness.