REMEMBERING 50 YEARS

Do you have photos or memories you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them. Send them to Michael Sahm, Director of Communications, at msahm@bishopchatard.org.

The '60s

In March 1960, Archbishop Paul Clarence Schulte ordered the construction of three new Catholic high schools: Bishop Chatard, Roncalli and Cardinal Ritter High School. On September 13, 1961, the first of the new schools - Bishop Chatard - opened its doors to 236 new students. The school's namesake, Bishop Francis Silas Chatard, is a patron of Catholic education and was installed as the first bishop of Indianapolis in 1878.

Father John Fish chose royal blue and white as the official school colors. Student dress codes were implemented; character checks were monitored and enforced.

In the first year, the school's most reverent tradition that continues today, The Living Rosary, began. In 1964, the Athletic Wall of Fame was introduced to honor outstanding student athletes who earn exceptional honors in their respective sports. To this day, 616 student-athletes have been recognized.

The first editors of Chatard's 1964 yearbook, the Citadel, were Linda Brooks, Beth Ann Krier and Ruth Ann Rhodes. Formation of the Big Sister-Little Sister Tea in 1965 connected older and younger female students. The tradition continued until the mid 1980's.

Enrollment fluctuation is a challenge in 1967, with a ratio of 20 girls to every boy. A tradition of Fatima student retreats began.

The '70s

Until the mid-1970s, Archdiocesan priests and the Benedictine Sisters of Beech Grove were prominent in leadership and teaching roles at Bishop Chatard High School. As the decade unfolded, the percentage of lay faculty members increased annually. Following six years as a teacher, department chair and coach, Steve Noone served seven years as the first lay principal of a Catholic high school in Indiana.

A collaborative model of leadership took center stage in the '70s, as did a model of parent-teacher cooperation. Community-focused projects were established. Under the direction of teacher Dick Powell, Chatard became the first Catholic high school to organize a blood drive.

Bill Lynch and Kelly Woolen became the first of 17 Bishop Chatard student-athletes to receive the Indianapolis Star's City Athlete of the Year honor in '72 and '79 respectively. The canned food drive began in 1976 to help feed hungry families during Thanksgiving.

In 1978, students adjusted to seeing the opposite sex in their gym uniform when coeducational physical education classes began. The student uniform debate continued. Title IX introduced new sports for girls, including cross-country running, swimming, tennis, track and field.

The '80s

To commemorate Bishop Chatard's 25th anniversary, a special gravesite rededication was held in honor of the school's namesake, Bishop Silas Chatard. The exterior statue of Mary, Queen of Heaven was honored with a refurbishing.

In 1981, Fr. Pat Doyle introduced the Christian Awakening Retreat Program to the seniors. Father William Turner initiated the first computer labs in 1982. Also in '82, Walk-A-Thon was introduced, raising $24,000 in its first year. In 1985, BCHS welcomed its largest enrollment, 861 students, from nine North Deanery and township schools.

In '86, the Bishop Chatard choir earned a Superior rating at the Indiana State School Music Association awards under the leadership of Tammy Anderson. Achievement Awards, formally known as the Hall of Fame, were introduced in 1987 to honor those who give their time and talent to benefit the school.

In addition to academics, students at Bishop Chatard participate in retreats, liturgical celebrations, service projects, and a broad spectrum of extracurricular activities. More than 90 percent of students participate in varsity, club or intramural sports. The Athletic Wall of Fame continues to honor select students for their outstanding athletic achievements.

The '90s

Chatard-a-Bration is created in 1990 and becomes the school's biggest annual fundraiser. In 1995, principal and president Brother Joseph Umile reestablished 'Chatard' as 'Bishop Chatard High School'.

Under the leadership of Kelly Jennings, Dance Marathon was created in 1997 to support Riley Hospital for Children. To date, the annual fundraiser has brought in over $215,000.

In 1998, beautiful new stained glass windows commemorate Bishop Chatard's first capital campaign, The Power, The Gift, The Glory. The $2 million campaign included building upgrades, renovations to the main entrance and lobby, and parking and landscaping improvements. The following year, alumni donations funded The Promise Continues Building Drive. The $1.5 million effort included six classrooms, three suites dedicated to the fine arts and a new library/media center.

The '00s

In 2001, St. Augustine's Prom begins and establishes a connection between students and nursing home residents that continues today. The girl's uniform requirements shift to pants, no skirts in 2003. In 2006, Brother Joseph Umile - known as the 'Rock of Bishop Chatard' - announces his plan to end his 14-year tenure as principal and then-president. Dick Powell announced his retirement in 2008 after 43 years at BCHS. In 2007, the Foundation for Faith campaign includes a 20,000-square-foot addition, new entrance, auxiliary gym and fitness center and other improvements.