Percy Lavon Julian High School is a public 4–year high school located in the Washington Heights neighborhood on the far south side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Opened in September 1975, Julian is a part of the Chicago Public Schools district. Julian is named for African-American research chemist Percy Lavon Julian (1899–1975).

History Julian was officially established in August 1974 when community members requested to James F. Redmond, General Superintendent of Chicago SchoolsDrugs in Our Schools. Retrieved 11 November 2019.Chicago Public Schools: Ensuring Diversity in Selective Enrollment and Magnet Schools. Retrieved 11 November 2019. and the Chicago Board of Education that two new schools were needed to relieve overcrowding at two area schools, Harlan and Fenger during the 1970–1971 school year. The school board approved the requested and construction on Julian began in November 1974.

Designed by Chicago native and architect Myron Goldsmith (who also designed the other school proposed in the request a year prior, Corliss High School; which shares a similar design to Julian), the school was constructed over two phases between November 1974 through May 1975. Prior to its construction and opening, the school was often referred to as the 103rd and Dan Ryan Site High School by city and school officials.

The school opened for students on September 3, 1975 and was renamed after Percy Lavon Julian by the school's founding principal Dr. Edward H. Oliver. Oliver served as principal of the school from its opening in 1975 until June 1991;Journal of the House of Representatives, 1991. Retrieved November 14, 2019.Legislative Digest ... General Assembly, State of Illinois, Volume 3, 1991. Retrieved November 14, 2019. the longest to serve as principal of Julian.

Other information On May 10, 2007, 16-year-old Blair Holt, a student at the school, was tragically shot and killed on a CTA bus shortly after boarding, caught in a gang-related shooting.ABC Chicago - 10 years later, school remembers teen Blair Holt who was shot on CTA bus, May 10, 2017 His death brought national attention to the rampant gun violence in Chicago. In 2017, an honorary street sign was placed in front of the school to honor his memory.DNA info - Blair Holt Honored 10 Years After He Was Killed On Bus Protecting Classmate, May 10, 2017 On October 22, 2013, twenty–nine students were arrested and charged with mob action after a fight involving a large group took place at the school. The fight was believed to be between members of rival street gangs.

Athletics Julian competes in the Chicago Public League (CPL) and is a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The school sport teams are nicknamed the Jaguars. The boys' wrestling team became public league champions and Class AA qualifiers two times (1981–82, 1986–87). The girls' basketball team became regional champions during the 2003–04 season. The boys' basketball team were regional champions and Class AA qualifiers three times (2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05).

Notable alumni

Ousmane Barro – (class of 2004), basketball player Corwin Brown – (class of 1988), NFL football player, (New England Patriots). Jason Burns (attended) – NFL football player, (Cincinnati Bengals). Sean Dockery – (class of 2002), IBL basketball player, Edmonton Chill. Howard Griffith – (class of 1986), NFL two-time Super Bowl champ with the Denver Broncos. Byron Irvin – (class of 1984), NBA basketball player, Washington Bullets. Walt Lemon Jr. – (class of 2010), NBA basketball player, (Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans), Israel Basketball Premier LeagueWALTER LEMON JR. LOOKS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH THE WINDY CITY BULLS - “IT’S BEEN ABOUT PLAYING TOGETHER, UNSELFISH BASKETBALL AND THAT HAS TO START WITH ME.” - WALTER LEMON JR..Retrieved November 14, 2019.WGN (Chicago) Walter Lemon Jr. completes memorable day by helping the Bulls to a win.Retrieved November 14, 2019. BJ the Chicago Kid (Bryan Sledge) – (class of 2003), singer-songwriter. Danny Walters – (class of 1978), NFL football player, (San Diego Chargers). Chris Washington – (class of 1979), NFL football player, (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

References

External links Percy L. Julian High School Website Facebook: Julian High School