Morton East High School

Amidst the bustling energy of Cicero, Illinois, stands Morton East High School, a place where history and youthful spirit intertwine. Morton East High School opened its doors in 1894, initially serving as the sole high school for the district. It transitioned to a sophomore-through-senior institution upon Morton West’s opening in 1958. The school’s namesake, Julius Sterling Morton, might be best known for Arbor Day, but his connection to Morton East High School comes from his friendship with Cicero resident Portus Baxter Weare. The campus witnessed significant changes over the years, from its prairie setting in the early 20th century to a major reconstruction in 1950. Five old frame structures were demolished, making way for modern brick buildings, including two gymnasiums, an auto shop, and even a greenhouse. A devastating fire in 1924 destroyed the auditorium, girls’ gymnasium, and library, resulting in a split schedule for freshmen and upperclassmen. This split schedule resurfaced later, from the 1920s until Morton West’s establishment, with freshmen attending classes in the morning and upperclassmen in the afternoon. Morton East High School has a rich athletic history. Its boys’ basketball team achieved national recognition in 1927, winning the “Interscholastic Championship of the United States” under the watchful eye of Amos Alonzo Stagg. The baseball team boasts four state championships between 1942 and 1970. Notably, even the Chicago Bears used Morton East for indoor training between 1983 and 1985, during their Super Bowl XX championship season. Today, students walking these halls might not realize they’re treading the same ground where legendary athletes once trained. A tragic incident darkened the school’s history in 1969. A sophomore, Richard L. Jagmin, drowned in the new pool, a shocking event given his prowess as a swimmer and scuba diver. Some whisper that his spirit still lingers, adding a layer of mystery to the school’s atmosphere. Morton East High School continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of its students, serving as a testament to the enduring power of education amidst a backdrop of history, both triumphant and tragic.