Wheaton Warrenville South High School

Wheaton Warrenville South High School (WWSHS), locally referred to as "South", is a public four-year high school in Wheaton, Illinois. It is one of two high schools that are part of Community Unit School District 200, the other being Wheaton North High School.

Wheaton Warrenville South High School
Address
1993 Tiger Trail

Wheaton
,
(DuPage County)
,
Illinois
60189

United States
Coordinates41°49′58″N 88°08′56″W
Information
School typePublic Secondary school
MottoLatin: Semper Tigris
(Always a Tiger)
Opened1876 (1876)
School districtCommunity Unit School District 200
SuperintendentJeff Schuler[1]
CEEB code144380
PrincipalScott McDermott[2]
Teaching staff126.25 (FTE) (2018–19)[3]
Grades9–12
GenderCoed
Enrollment1,934 (2018–19)[3]
Average class size23.7[2]
Student to teacher ratio15.32 (2018–19)[3]
Campus typeLarge Suburban[3]
Color(s)  Orange
  Black[4]
SloganCommitment, Integrity, Scholarship, Tradition
Athletics conferenceDuKane Conference
NicknameTigers[4]
AccreditationNACAC, IACAC
PublicationSouth Spoken
NewspaperThe Pride[5]
YearbookTigris
Websitewww.wwshs.org
Last updated: April 30, 2019 (2019-04-30)

The school has had a long history, during which it has had four names, and is considered the successor to a school with a similar name. The school is known for its academic and athletic accomplishments, its alumni include astronomer Edwin Hubble, football player Red Grange, comedian John Belushi and actor Jim Belushi.

History

The history of Wheaton Warrenville High School can be traced back to the original high school in Wheaton, Wheaton High School, which opened in 1876.[6] In 1925, the school was relocated to a new building which would eventually become Hubble Middle School, and changed its name to Wheaton Community High School.[6]

In October 1946, the school's cafeteria was largely destroyed by a fire that was blamed on a recently installed Coca-Cola vending machine.[7]

In 1964, with the completion of its sister school, Wheaton North, the school was again renamed, Wheaton Central High School.[6]

By 1967, overcrowding became an issue at Wheaton Central. In late 1967, the school board proposed a redistricting move that would send all Warrenville students to the newer Wheaton North building.[8] In January 1968, the board approved bussing underclass students in Warrenville to Wheaton North, and allowing upperclassmen the choice of either school.[9]

The current building that houses Wheaton Warrenville South was opened in 1973, and operated as Wheaton-Warrenville High School from 1973—83.[6] By 1982, it was clear that the high school population in the district was shrinking, and there would be a need to close either the older, tradition rich Wheaton Central, or the newer, but smaller Wheaton-Warrenville.[10] In June 1982, the school board voted 6–1 to close Wheaton-Warrenville High School, effective at the end of the 1982—83 school year.[11] In response, there was a request for a mass transfer of all students from Wheaton-Warrenville High to either of the two other schools, and forcing more changes at the other schools.[12] When the request for the mass transfer was not granted by the board, a group of Warrenville parents began threatening to secede from the district.[13] In January 1983, the parent group presented a petition signed by over 75% of the registered voters of Warrenville to approve detaching from the district.[14] The movement to split from the district eventually moved to the courts.[15] Without even hearing the school board's argument, the judge ruled against the parents group.[16] The issue finally came to an end when the DuPage Valley Regional Board of School Trustees voted 5–2 to reject the secession bid.[17]

In 1983, the original Wheaton-Warrenville High School became Wheaton Warrenville Middle School, reflecting a shrinking high school population and an increasing population of younger students.[6]

In 1988, with Wheaton Central aging, the board moved to renovate Wheaton Warrenville Middle School in preparation for opening it again as a high school, when Wheaton Central would need to eventually be closed.[18] In October 1989, the school board formally proposed moving high school students from Wheaton Central back to Wheaton-Warrenville Middle School, and converting the older Wheaton Central building to a middle school.[19] On May 9, 1990, the board officially voted to make the change, ending a situation that had again "divided residents".[20] Even after the decision was made, there was debate over the naming of the school.[21] In 1992, with an increase in the district's high school population, there was a need to move the high school population from the older 1925 building to the newer, larger 1973 building. The 1925 building became Hubble Middle School, and upon moving, Wheaton Central High School became Wheaton Warrenville South High School.[6] Thus, the original Wheaton-Warrenville High School is considered the forerunner of the current Wheaton Warrenville South High School (not the same school). This can be seen in the evolution of the school seal which came from WCHS.[6] The school colors, mascot, and nickname are continuations of Wheaton Central, while the current school's Wolverine Hall, with a green and gold color scheme, honor the earlier Wheaton-Warrenville High School from 1973—83.[6]

It is proper to write the name of the earlier school as Wheaton-Warrenville High School, with a hyphen. When the school was renamed, the hyphen was dropped to symbolize a lack of division.[6]

The 1925 building housing Hubble Middle School was closed at the end of the 2008—09 school year. A new Hubble Middle School was constructed, and the site has been demolished and turned into a supermarket called Mariano's.[22][23]

Architecture

The building comprises five major pods: Grange, completed in 2005, and Tradition, Scholarship, Commitment, and Integrity, which are taken from the school seal.

In 1999, the Integrity wing was built in the southeast corner of the school to house the math department. It includes eleven new classrooms, a math lab, and a math office.

In 2002, The Tradition and Commitment pods, primarily housing the English and Science departments, respectively, underwent significant renovations with reconstruction of all second floor classrooms. More than $100,000 worth of technology was also upgraded in 2002, with all classrooms receiving at least one new Dell XP computer connecting to a new broadband internet access connection, cable TV, accompanying DVD/VCR combo player. The computer labs were also updated and several carts of wireless internet laptops were added.

Wheaton Warrenville South installed solar panels on the roof of the school as an alternative energy source as part of a 2004 partnership with British Petroleum.[24] BP's North American Chemical headquarters is located approximately two miles south of the school in Naperville. The remaining energy comes from Commonwealth Edison, which primarily produces energy from nuclear and fossil fuel sources.

On April 1, 2003, residents of Community Unit School District 200 approved, by a vote of 10,173 to 6,518, a $72 million bond referendum to add about 150,000 square feet (14,000 m2) of space and renovate both Wheaton Warrenville South, and its counterpart, Wheaton North.[25]

The first phase of construction began in August 2003 and was completed in March 2005 and included 21 new classrooms with two resource centers to house the English and Foreign Language departments, two art rooms, a band room, an orchestra room, a choral room, and nine sound-proof practice rooms. In addition, the central office area was reconverted for the counseling center and the health office, while all other administrative offices were moved to the front of the building. A new commons area was constructed and the cafeteria underwent significant renovations.

The second phase began in spring 2005 and was completed by May 2006 and consisted primarily of renovations to the athletics wing and the construction of the field house. The library has undergone significant renovations during summer of 2006.

Academics

According to the 2017-18 Illinois Report Card, Wheaton Warrenville South has a 95% graduation rate; 85% of graduates enroll in a two-year or four-year college within 12 months of graduation.[26] Wheaton Warrenville South has earned an "A+" Rating for Academics according to Niche independent ratings.[27] Wheaton Warrenville South was #21 (IL) on U.S. News & World Reports 2018 Best High Schools list.[28]

All academic classes at South are divided into two difficulty levels: Intermediate and Advanced/AP. The school offers 17 Advanced Placement Courses;[29] 31% of students are enrolled in AP classes.[27] In 2018, Wheaton Warrenville CUSD200 was one of 447 school districts in the U.S. and Canada honored by the College Board with placement on the Annual AP District Honor Roll.[30]

In 2018, Money Magazine rated the community as #27 on their National "Best Places To Live 2018" ranking [#1 in Illinois], citing "The school district in town consistently ranks among the best in the state--one reason Wheaton has made repeat appearances on Money's Best Places to Live rankings over the years." [31]

Student life

Athletics
Grange Field at WWSHS is named for "the Galloping Ghost", alum Red Grange

WWSHS competes in the DuKane Conference as of the 2018-2019 school year.[32] Wheaton Warrenville South is also a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), which oversees most sports and competitive activities in the state.

The school sponsors interscholastic athletic teams for young men and women in: basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, and volleyball.[33] Young men may also compete in baseball, football, and wrestling, while young women may compete in badminton, cheerleading, and softball.[33] While not sponsored by the IHSA, the school also sponsors lacrosse teams for both young men and women, an ice hockey team open to young men and women, and a dance team for young women.[33]

The following teams have finished in the top four of their respective IHSA sponsored state tournament or meet:[34]

  • Badminton: 4th place (1992—93, 2000—01)
  • Basketball (boys): 4th place (1980—81)
  • Basketball (girls): 2nd place (1984—85)
  • Cross Country (boys): 3rd place (2017-2018); 2nd Place (2019-2020); State Champions (2018-2019)
  • Cross Country (girls): 3rd place (1991—92, 2009–10, 2010–11); 2nd place (2011–12)
  • Football: semifinalists (1989—90, 2004—05, 2005—06); 2nd place (1990—91, 1991—92, 2007—08, 2011–12); State Champions (1992—93, 1995—96, 1996—97, 1998—99, 2006—07, 2009–10, 2010—11)
  • Golf (boys): 3rd place (1997—98)
  • Golf (girls): State Champions (2016–17)
  • Gymnastics (boys): 5th place (2005–06) 4th place (2008–09) 3rd place (2003–04) State Champions (2004—05, 2011–12, 2012–13)[35]
  • Gymnastics (girls): 4th place (1997—98)
  • Soccer (boys): 3rd place (2003—04); 2nd place (1974—75, 1976—77, 1983—84)
  • Soccer (girls): 3rd place (2002—03); 2nd place (2001—02)
  • Track & Field (boys): 4th place (1905—06, 1920—21, 1997—98, 2003—04); 3rd place (2002—03); 2nd place (1929—30, 1994—95); State Champions (1995—96, 1998—99)
  • Volleyball (boys): 2nd place (2010); State Champions (2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012); 2012 ESPN National Champions
  • Volleyball (girls): 2nd place (2019–20); 4th place (2002—03)
  • Wrestling: 2nd place (1965—66)
  • Lacrosse: 4th place (2011-2012)
  • Hockey: 2nd place (2011-2012)

As of the end of the 2011-12 season, the seven state titles for WWS in boys volleyball is a state record.[36]

As of the end of the 2010–11 season, the seven state titles in football is the fifth highest total in state history, and the highest among public schools.[37]

Activities

There are over 30 student activities ranging from athletic and artistic to social awareness and academic interests; and entire list of which can be seen here .[38] Among those which are affiliates or chapters of nationally recognized groups are: Key Club, National Art Honor Society, and National Honor Society.[38]

There are typically four different student theatrical productions each year: a novice production in the early autumn, a play in late autumn, a variety show in early spring, and a musical in the last month before the end of the school year.[39]

The school also sponsors a number of music groups including a jazz ensemble, pep band, and marching band.[38] In addition to a general choir, there are two show choirs (The Classics and Esprit). The Classics won the FAME National Championship in 2011 and again in 2012.[38] The Esprit (a unisex showchoir) show choir is affiliated with the school and became school sponsored as of the 2017-18 season.[38]

The following competitive activities have finished in the top four of their respective IHSA sponsored state championship tournament or meet:[34]

  • Marching band: State Champions (1998–99), (1999–2000), (2003–04), (2004–05) 2nd Place (2005–06)
  • Chess: 3rd place (2001—02, 2002—03)
  • Speech: State Champions (1940—41, 2013–14)
  • Drama: 4th place (1981—82, 1989—90); 3rd place (1974—75, 1984—85); 2nd place (1982—83)
  • Group Interpretation: State Champions (1981—82)
  • Individual Events (Speech): 4th place (1984—85, 1986—87, 1987—88, 2002—03, 2006—07); 3rd place (1995—96, 2000—01, 2003—04, 2010–11); 2nd place (1969—70, 1976—77, 1988—89, 1992—93, 1994—95, 1996—97, 2004—05, 2007—08, 2014—15 2015-16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19); State Champions (1968—69, 1981—82, 1982—83, 1989—90, 1997—98, 1998—99, 1999—2000, 2001—02, 2013—14)
  • Scholastic Bowl: 3rd place (1995—96); 2nd place (1987—88)
  • Bass Fishing: 2nd place (2012–13)

Notable alumni

Wheaton High School (1876–1925)

Wheaton Community High School (1925–1964)

Wheaton Central High School (1964–1992)

Wheaton-Warrenville High School (1973–1983)

    Wheaton Warrenville South High School (1992–present)

    References
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    2. "School Profile". Wheaton Warrenville South High School. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
    3. "Search for Public Schools - Wheaton Warrenville South High School (174218004222)". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
    4. "Wheaton Warrenville South H.S." School Directory. IHSA. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
    5. "The Pride". Wheaton Warrenville South H.S. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
    6. "WWSHS – History of the School". Retrieved July 14, 2009.
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    8. "Hearing Set on Transfer of Warrenville Students". Chicago Tribune. December 28, 1967. ProQuest 170029623.
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