Pause for a moment here in front of Derham Hall. It stands as a testament to educational excellence in Saint Paul. Derham Hall’s story is one of mergers and enduring values.
Derham Hall High School was established in 1905. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet founded it. It began as a college preparatory school for girls. The original location was on the St. Catherine University campus.
Let’s turn back time. Hugh Derham was a Minnesota farmer. He donated money to start an all-female Catholic boarding school. Derham Hall High School was named for him.
In 1987, Derham Hall merged with Cretin High School. Cretin High School was named for Joseph Crétin. He was the first Catholic bishop of Saint Paul. This merger created Cretin-Derham Hall. It became a co-educational institution.
Cretin-Derham Hall has a rich history. Cretin High School started in 1871. It operated out of the Cathedral School basement. Bishop John Ireland wanted the Christian Brothers to run the school. After the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, two brothers came to Minnesota. They took charge of the Cathedral School.
The school was initially called Cathedral School. After a fire damaged the second cathedral in 1886, a new building was constructed. It was informally called Cretin High School. It was also known as Cretin Hall. The name came from the auditorium in the new building.
In 1926, Cretin High School moved to Laurel and Mackubin Streets. The building at Hamline and Randolph opened in 1928. This was made possible by a gift from James J. Hill’s widow.
Cretin High School had a mandatory military program in the late 1800s. This program instilled discipline and order. The National Defense Act of 1916 created the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Cretin’s military program became one of the first Junior ROTC programs. Participation was mandatory until the early 1980s.
Cretin-Derham Hall is known for its strong academics. It offers many STEM courses. There is an Accounting Mentorship program. The school also has a Leadership Academy. Students can take dual enrollment courses. These courses offer college credit.
The school is located in the Twin Cities. This area is known for its safety and cultural scene. Many Fortune 500 companies are located here.
Cretin-Derham Hall has a strong athletic tradition. The Raiders won their tenth state football championship in 2009. In 2018, the boys’ basketball team won its third state championship.
The school also has a thriving theater program. The theater department performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2005.
Many notable alumni have attended Cretin-Derham Hall. These include Matt Birk, a former NFL center and Super Bowl champion. Joe Mauer, a former Minnesota Twins player and Baseball Hall of Famer also attended. Ryan McDonagh is an NHL defenseman and Stanley Cup champion.
Reflect on the legacy of Derham Hall. It represents a commitment to education and community. Its graduates have made significant contributions. The building stands as a reminder. It embodies the values of faith, knowledge, and service.