Ever wondered about the history behind J Sterling Morton Alternative High School? This very spot holds a significant piece of Cicero’s educational past. J Sterling Morton Alternative High School is part of a larger district. This district which includes Morton East and Morton West High Schools was established in the 1890s. It’s named after Julius Sterling Morton. He was Grover Cleveland’s Secretary of Agriculture. He’s also famous for establishing Arbor Day.
The school’s namesake had ties to Cicero. He was friends with a local fur trader Portus Baxter Weare. The district serves Cicero Berwyn Lyons Stickney and parts of McCook. Students west of Ridgeland Avenue attend Morton West. Those east attend Morton East. J Sterling Morton Alternative High School opened in 2007. It’s one of five campuses within District 201. The others include Morton East Morton West a freshman center and a West freshman academy.
The district’s history is rich with challenges and triumphs. The early 1930s saw financial hardship and student-faculty revolts. These events involved the firing of a football coach and a student cafeteria boycott. The superintendent Harry V Church even joined the protests. He accused the board of financial mismanagement and nepotism. These events drew attention from the North Central Association. It’s an accrediting agency that investigated the school.
A burning cross was even found on the athletic field in 1933. This highlights the turbulent social climate of the time. The school faced accusations of political interference. It also struggled with maintaining accreditation. Through these difficult years the school persevered. It continued to provide education to the community. Today J Sterling Morton Alternative High School continues this legacy. It offers alternative learning opportunities to students in Cicero. It reflects the district’s commitment to education despite its troubled history.
The school continues to provide education. It’s a place where students can find support and learn. The modern-day J Sterling Morton Alternative High School stands as a testament. It stands as a testament to the resilience and commitment of the community. It shows the importance of education throughout the years. Remember this story the next time you see J Sterling Morton Alternative High School. It’s more than just a school it’s a living history lesson.