Newman Central Catholic High School has an enrollment of approximately 280 students for the school year 2009-2010. The school operates in the Sterling Deanery under the Diocese of Rockford auspice which includes the counties of Whiteside, Lee, Bureau and Ogle in Northwestern Illinois. Secondary Catholic education in the deanery has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1915. Newman’s foundation rests on a storied heritage, which will mark its centennial in 2015. The dedication, vision and generosity required for such a legacy merits ongoing diligence in assessing, envisioning and planning for quality secondary Catholic education.
Newman began when Monsignor AJ Burns, along with the assistance of LA Bittorf, founded a Catholic high school on the St. Mary’s Parish Campus. St. Mary High School was converted to Community Catholic High School and was positioned across from St. Mary Parish located in the heart of Sterling. In 1959, the present Newman High was constructed and in 1960 the student body moved to the present facility on West 23rd Street (St. Mary’s Road). The school was originally staffed by the Sisters of Loretto.
The gymnasium seats over 1,200 people and features a large stage for special events and ceremonies. One of the outstanding features of the school is its beautiful chapel with a mosaic art stained-glass window. The chapel is used for Mass and prayer services. Newman provides a variety of extra-curricular activities enabling the students to develop their talents, learn responsibilities, develop leadership skills and build self-confidence with poise. Newman students are provided the opportunity to become their very best in a Christian oriented learning environment.
The leadership of Newman recognizes the importance of broadening the circle at this critical time in the school’s history. There is an inherent value in soliciting the wisdom and insights of key stakeholders as the school looks with hope and enthusiasm to its future. The Strategic Planning Committee was convened for the following purposes:
To recognize and affirm the legacy of secondary Catholic education in the Sterling Deanery
To assess the current scenario of Newman
To envision a preferred scenario for Newman by the year 2015-its centennial
To develop action plans which will move Newman in the desired direction
To champion the mission and vision for Newman to the broader communityIf you would like to discuss the changes and enhancements at Newman, please contact Development Department
In the spring of 2008, Newman broke ground for a new 35,000 square foot athletic practice facility on the northwest section of the Newman property.
The new facility consists of a 220’ by 140’ building with a three full size basketball/volleyball courts with portable baskets and seating area, weight room 30’ by 114’, varsity locker room, lavatories, offices, training room, concession area and storage area. Just to the northeast of the new facility and north of the weight room will be a commons area where people can gather during sporting events and students may congregate before and after school and practices. The cost of the practice facility is the realization of a dream due to the generous donation of Newman benefactors. The main purpose of the new facility is to enhance family time and academic achievement. Student athletes will be able to get home much earlier as practices will be begin and end earlier due to the new facility.
In conjunction with the new athletic facility, Newman plans on moving to the third stage of the Strategic Plan. This stage plans on dealing with the replacing the “screen-like” windows with energy efficient windows to offset the cost of utilities in the new practice facility. In addition to the new windows, plans also include renovating the bathrooms, locker rooms, boiler facility, handicapped accessibility and basic upkeep in the current structure. The Strategic Plan along with the facility enhancements will assure the Newman students a quality complex with the ability to meet our family and student’s needs and continue to strengthen our Christ-centered education and life.