Notre Dame High School (Chattanooga, Tennessee)

School history

Founding and early history

In January 1876 the Dominican Sisters of the St. Cecilia Community in Nashville opened a school in Chattanooga at the request of the Reverend Patrick Ryan, the pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church. They were informed that it would be necessary to carry on a school for non-Catholic girls in addition to a parochial school which was already in existence and located in the basement of the old church on "A" Street, the present site of the convent building. Teachers at the parochial school included several lay people in the parish. The sisters opened Notre Dame de Lourdes Academy for girls. This building which eventually burned was on the corner of 8th and Lindsay Streets. In 1878 both schools were closed temporarily because of a yellow fever epidemic and used as a hospital. After reopening, the school experienced a period of prosperity with enrollment increasing so rapidly that a larger building was erected in 1886.

Renaming and merger

In 1898, Notre Dame Academy became a co-educational parochial school and the name was unofficially changed to Notre Dame School. In 1926 Monsignor Francis T. Sullivan, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, readied another school for occupancy. In 1931 Notre Dame High School was accredited by the Southern Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges and by the State of Tennessee and has maintained its accreditation ever since that time.

Increased enrollment, racial integration, and new campus

In 1954 Notre Dame became inter-parochial under the direction of a priest Principal, Reverend James Driscoll. This change was in keeping with the policy of the Diocese of Nashville to establish combined high schools in cities where there were two or more parishes. In 1963 another milestone was reached when Notre Dame became the first school in the Chattanooga area to voluntarily become racially integrated. In September 1965 increased enrollment again necessitated more spacious accommodations and Notre Dame High School moved to a new building on Vermont Avenue. The Reverend William Bevington, newly appointed Principal, began the process of resettlement. Dedicated in 1966, the new campus consisted of a classroom wing, library, and science labs. Art, typing and home economics rooms were equipped for each subject area.

Latter 20th Century

In 1967 Reverend Lawrence A. Maxwell became the Principal and served for three years followed by Reverend J. Patrick Conner in 1970. Father Conner served as Principal for four years during which time enrollment increased to over one hundred students. In 1974 Notre Dame came under the direction of James D. Phifer, the first layman to be Principal. Under his leadership, Notre Dame maintained a vibrant student body as it faced the demands of the 1970's and 1980's. During his tenure a new stadium and auditorium were constructed. In 1997 the school's gymnasium was rededicated and named in honor of Mr. Phifer.

From 1993 until 1996, Gilbert L. Saenz served as Principal. Under his direction Notre Dame experienced a period focused on academic excellence with the expansion of services for students with learning disabilities. Two computer labs were added to the facilities. In 1996 Perry L. Storey assumed the position of principal. Since that time major curriculum improvements have been made to enhance the academic quality of the school.

21st Century

In 2000, the school completed a $5 million capital campaign and a $3 million campus improvement project which includes the expansion of the parking area, new closed-circuit security systems, campus landscaping and a 12,500 square foot state-of-the-art Library/Multi-Media Center. In the spring of 2009, the John Varallo Athletic Center and Classroom Annex opened. The new facility occupies a prominent section of the NDHS campus and includes a 6,628 square-foot auxiliary gymnasium, a new weight room, new men’s and women’s locker rooms, a new art studio and dark room, four academic classrooms, new offices and training facilities and flexible use space for dance, cheerleading and yoga, an indoor wellness track, a 5,218 square-foot wrestling and training center and 4,636 square-feet of multi-use space for student, alumni and community programs.

In 2010, the fourth Bishop of Knoxville, Richard F. Stika, arranged for the return of four Dominican Sisters from the St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville, Tennessee. With the help of many benefactors, a house on Glenwood Avenue was completely renovated for use as a convent. The Notre Dame Convent was blessed and dedicated in January 2011. In 2012 the Notre Dame Chapel was completely renovated and rededicated. Also, the school was named one of the Top 50 Catholic schools by the National Catholic High School Honor Roll for the second consecutive award cycle. In 2013, Mr. George Valadie, a 1971 alumnus and former faculty member and Director of Alumni & Development, was appointed as the school’s first President.

Extracurricular Activities

Athletics

State championships

Alumni

• Olivia Reeves, Olympic weightlifter
• Adarius Bowman, former CFL wide receiver
• John C. Erickson, founder of Erickson Senior Living
• Chris Grabenstein, New York Times best-selling children's author
• Dennis Haskins, actor known for his role as Principal Richard Belding in the teen sitcom Saved by the Bell
• Patrick Johnson, NFL defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles
• Reggie Mathis, former NFL linebacker
• Kareem Orr, former NFL player and Super Bowl champion
• Pez Whatley, former professional wrestler

References

References

1. "Notre Dame Alumna Olivia Reeves To Represent USA At Paris Olympics". The Chattanoogan.
2. "Former Notre Dame Grad Bowman Joins Staff At Knoxville Catholic". The Chattanoogan.
3. "John Erickson". University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
4. "About Chris: Official Bio". chrisgrabenstein.com.
5. "Haskins, Dennis, 1950-". The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.
6. "Notre Dame grad Patrick Johnson to play in Super Bowl LVII with Philadelphia". Local 3 News.
7. "Reggie Mathis". Pro Football Reference.
8. "Former NFL player & Super Bowl champion giving back to student athletes at local high school". Local 3 News.
9. "‘Pistol’ Pez Whatley dead at 54". Slam Wrestling.
10. 9780768935189. {{nowrap. p. 1406–07.