Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary School
Encyclopedia
Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School (CSHM), is a Roman Catholic high school
located in Montebello, California
, precisely on the border of East Los Angeles and Montebello. It is now owned and operated by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. It is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the challenging curriculum prepares students for admission to four-year university programs and other career options.
(RSHM), an international apostolic institute of religious women,were commissioned to teach at the new institution. Through their emphasis on liberal arts education and respect for all cultures, the Sisters worked to promote the growth of the human person by creating an environment which enabled young women to work for their own spiritual, educational, and personal development.
In 1946, the Most Reverend John J. Cantwell, Archbishop of Los Angeles, established Cantwell High School. At the time of its founding, the school was temporarily located on the top floor at St. Alphonsus Grade School. On October 23, 1946, the school relocated to 17 acres (68,796.6 m²) campus it still occupies on a picturesque seventeen-acre campus in Montebello, California. Based on his respect for their teaching abilities, the archbishop invited the Christian Brothers of Ireland to staff the school. The school was dedicated by Archbishop Cantwell on April 13, 1947.
As the flag was raised over the “largest addition to the Archdiocesan school system,” tribute was paid to the teaching qualities of the Christian Brothers who constituted the initial Cantwell faculty. The Irish Christian Brothers had long influenced Bishop Cantwell as he attended the Patrician Brothers
Monastery National School in Fethard
in his early childhood years.
On-going changes occurred over the years and with the closure of nearby Sacred Heart of Mary High School in 1990, the girls attending that high school were incorporated into Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School, thus extended the dream of Archbishop John J. Cantwell’s vision to provide an opportunity of a Catholic education for all God’s children.
Under the watchful eyes of the Sacred Heart of Mary sisters, the Catholic boys of Cantwell High came no closer to the girls during school hours than a lingering glance through the chain-link fence. "The sisters were very restrictive," recalled an alumnus whose wife attended Sacred Heart of Mary while he was at Cantwell. "Though we used to look at the girls from afar, the best we could do was cruise by, (until after school)."
, CSHM is a coeducational, college preparatory institution. The school's spiritual patrons are St. Philip of Jesus
, and the Sacred Heart of Mary, Mother of Jesus
. With the advent of young women moving to the young men's campus, the Cantwell former school motto for the conjoined schools was changed from the Latin for "Act Manfully", "Viriliter Age", to "Act with the Character of Christ", "Age cum Anima Christi". The girls all became "Cardinals" and their mascot "Scooter" was laid to rest without ceremony.
Given this history, infused with the tradition and mission of the RSHM, and the presence of so many teachers and staff who taught and worked beside RSHM sisters and many who are graduates of Sacred Heart of Mary High School, and many who are the children of mothers educated at Sacred Heart of Mary High School, it is a natural progression that the goals and mission of CSHM high school do embrace the goals and mission of the RSHM network of schools. In so many ways, the Mission of the RSHM Network of Schools is mirrored in the goals and mission of CSHM High School . Principal David Chambers' current secretary began at Sacred Heart of Mary H.S. in 1973 and was secretary to the principal there as well.
Principal Chambers stated:
Fall
Winter
Spring
The Light refines us, keeps us, binds us, when at length we part.
In Cardinal pride and unity, our life to Christ, we hold.
We promise to stay true to You,
our colors red, blue, and gold.
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
located in Montebello, California
Montebello, California
Montebello is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States, in the southwestern part of the San Gabriel Valley. It is located on of land just east of downtown Los Angeles. It is considered part of the Gateway Cities, and the city is a member of the Gateway Cities Council of...
, precisely on the border of East Los Angeles and Montebello. It is now owned and operated by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. It is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the challenging curriculum prepares students for admission to four-year university programs and other career options.
Founding
Sacred Heart of Mary High School for young women was founded in 1942, The school was formally dedicated on June 30, 1943, with Archbishop John J. Cantwell presiding. The Religious of the Sacred Heart of MaryReligious of the Sacred Heart of Mary
The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary are a global Roman Catholic community of about 900 apostolic religious women, connected by personal contact, local, provincial and general meetings, telephone, e-mail and many websites to one another with a hope of promoting the integral development and...
(RSHM), an international apostolic institute of religious women,were commissioned to teach at the new institution. Through their emphasis on liberal arts education and respect for all cultures, the Sisters worked to promote the growth of the human person by creating an environment which enabled young women to work for their own spiritual, educational, and personal development.
In 1946, the Most Reverend John J. Cantwell, Archbishop of Los Angeles, established Cantwell High School. At the time of its founding, the school was temporarily located on the top floor at St. Alphonsus Grade School. On October 23, 1946, the school relocated to 17 acres (68,796.6 m²) campus it still occupies on a picturesque seventeen-acre campus in Montebello, California. Based on his respect for their teaching abilities, the archbishop invited the Christian Brothers of Ireland to staff the school. The school was dedicated by Archbishop Cantwell on April 13, 1947.
As the flag was raised over the “largest addition to the Archdiocesan school system,” tribute was paid to the teaching qualities of the Christian Brothers who constituted the initial Cantwell faculty. The Irish Christian Brothers had long influenced Bishop Cantwell as he attended the Patrician Brothers
Patrician Brothers
The Patrician Brothers, or Brothers of Saint Patrick, are a Roman Catholic congregation for the religious and literary education of youth and the instruction of the faithful in Christian piety.-History:This Brotherhood was founded by the Right Rev. Dr...
Monastery National School in Fethard
Fethard, County Tipperary
Fethard is a village in South Tipperary in Ireland. It is located east of Cashel on the Clashawley River where the R692, R689 and R706 regional roads intersect. It is in the barony of Middle Third, and is also a parish in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly...
in his early childhood years.
On-going changes occurred over the years and with the closure of nearby Sacred Heart of Mary High School in 1990, the girls attending that high school were incorporated into Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School, thus extended the dream of Archbishop John J. Cantwell’s vision to provide an opportunity of a Catholic education for all God’s children.
1950s thru 1980s
In 1956, a beautiful new building was completed at 441 North Garfield Avenue, and in September, 1957, 450 girls enrolled at the new Sacred Heart of Mary High School. The Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary became the focal point of all religious activities. In 1961, ground was broken for an 800 seat auditorium, and a chapel was constructed adjacent to the convent. Both were completed in 1962. Just the chapel and convent remain today, as the rest of the property was sold.Under the watchful eyes of the Sacred Heart of Mary sisters, the Catholic boys of Cantwell High came no closer to the girls during school hours than a lingering glance through the chain-link fence. "The sisters were very restrictive," recalled an alumnus whose wife attended Sacred Heart of Mary while he was at Cantwell. "Though we used to look at the girls from afar, the best we could do was cruise by, (until after school)."
Consolidation
Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary as an entity began when Sacred Heart of Mary High School, an all-girls school administered by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, and Cantwell High School, an all boys school administered by the Irish, or Brother Rice, Christian Brothers, consolidated into one lay administered coed school in 1991. For many, especially the alumni of both schools, the consolidation meant the end of an era. Since the merger, enrollment is at about 600 students. Located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los AngelesRoman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is an archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church in the U.S. state of California. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the archdiocese comprises the California counties of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura. The diocesan cathedral is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the...
, CSHM is a coeducational, college preparatory institution. The school's spiritual patrons are St. Philip of Jesus
Philip of Jesus
Saint Philip of Jesus was a Mexican Catholic missionary who became one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan, the first Mexican saint and patron saint of Mexico City....
, and the Sacred Heart of Mary, Mother of Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
. With the advent of young women moving to the young men's campus, the Cantwell former school motto for the conjoined schools was changed from the Latin for "Act Manfully", "Viriliter Age", to "Act with the Character of Christ", "Age cum Anima Christi". The girls all became "Cardinals" and their mascot "Scooter" was laid to rest without ceremony.
Demographics
The majority of the CSHM families reside in communities surrounding the East Los Angeles area. 95% of the students are Roman Catholic. Economically, the families are characterized as blue collar/skilled labor workers and managers of small privately owned businesses. 52% of the students live below the government designated “poverty” line and would qualify for the federal school lunch program if they attended a public school. CSHM has a very generous financial aid program and close to a fourth of the students work jobs after school to supplement their tuition. As a school it is completely self-supporting with the exception of generous support from foundations and many committed donors, including the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, and support from the archdiocese of Los Angeles for the physical plant of the school, and its spacious property.Given this history, infused with the tradition and mission of the RSHM, and the presence of so many teachers and staff who taught and worked beside RSHM sisters and many who are graduates of Sacred Heart of Mary High School, and many who are the children of mothers educated at Sacred Heart of Mary High School, it is a natural progression that the goals and mission of CSHM high school do embrace the goals and mission of the RSHM network of schools. In so many ways, the Mission of the RSHM Network of Schools is mirrored in the goals and mission of CSHM High School . Principal David Chambers' current secretary began at Sacred Heart of Mary H.S. in 1973 and was secretary to the principal there as well.
Mission statement
Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary, a College Preparatory School owned and operated by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, provides an educational environment which promotes Gospel values, celebrates diversity, develops self-worth and respect for others, encourages personal responsibility, and challenges students to share their gifts in building a just and peaceful society and to fulfill the RSHM mission – that all may have life.Principal Chambers stated:
Philosophy
- To foster a personal relationship with God
- To create unity through diversity
- To instill a life-long love of learning
- To encourage and affirm personal growth
- To awaken a consciousness of social justice
- To fulfill the mission: “That all may have life.”
Athletics
The co-curricular program encourages students to develop mental and physical skills, a healthy competitive spirit, teamwork, and self-discipline.Fall
- Football
- Girls' volleyball
- Cross Country
Winter
- Boys' Basketball
- Girls' Basketball
- Boys' Soccer
- Girls' Soccer
Spring
- Baseball
- Softball
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
- Golf
- Rugby
Alma mater
Our Guiding Light is burning bright at Cantwell Sacred Heart.The Light refines us, keeps us, binds us, when at length we part.
In Cardinal pride and unity, our life to Christ, we hold.
We promise to stay true to You,
our colors red, blue, and gold.
Notable alumni
- Juan Gómez-QuiñonesJuan Gómez-QuiñonesJuan Gómez-Quiñones is an American historian, professor of history, poet, and activist. He is best known for his work in the field of Chicana/o history...
, professor, activist, and co-author of El Plan de Santa Barbara - Jerry GroteJerry Grote (basketball)Jerry C. Grote is a retired American basketball player. He played one season for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association .-College career:...
, professional basketball player - Philip S. Gutierrez, federal judge
- Craig WorthingtonCraig WorthingtonCraig Richard Worthington is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. He played all or part of seven seasons in the majors, between and for the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Texas Rangers...
, professional baseball player