by Bill Figel

Jan 21, 2025

When 100 freshmen arrive next year at Leo Catholic High School, 7901 S. Sangamon St., it will follow a triumphant trajectory of increased enrollment over the last decade.

Those familiar with the 99-year-old school know the arrival 12 years ago of Leo President Dan McGrath—followed by his recruitment of Dr. Shaka Rawls to serve as principal—marked a profound transformation.

The duo’s ability to delegate and recruit professionals to a growing faculty and administrative team has helped nurture a sea change on 79th Street.

“Since I have been here the past three years, we have had freshman classes of 87 and 86, and this coming year should top 100,” said Kevin McNair, Leo Catholic High School director of admissions.

“What Leo’s leaders have accomplished has had a meaningful social impact throughout our community, the South Side and with elementary schools.

“In other words, President McGrath and Dr. Rawls have opened doors at grade schools and to the homes of the students we are recruiting. It’s been quite an achievement., and I’m so proud to be part of it.”

In the president’s office, strategic philanthropy and the help of Big Shoulders have addressed the most pressing problems facing Leo as it approaches its jubilee, regarded in the Catholic Church as a 100-year celebration or a “Holy Year.”

McNair proudly shows off a list of 50 grade schools he has successfully recruited from during his busy, but relatively short tenure.

“With 2026 looming, there are clearly families who recognize the excitement building toward 100 years of educating young men,” said McNair.

McGrath graduated from St. Cajetan Elementary School, Leo and Marquette University, Catholic institutions that total 33 years in the business of educating the young.

“My life as a sportswriter and editor took me all over the nation, but Leo was always in my DNA,” said McGrath.

“I’m proud that people in so many circles of my life associate Leo with me.”

An athlete himself at Leo, McGrath recognized over the summer the need for more staff. To help Leo Athletic Director Noah Cannon, McGrath recruited long-time Chicago Catholic League powerhouse Jim Prunty, a veteran coach and administrator with 40-year ties to the Chicago Catholic League.

Recently, Prunty culled through a list of candidates and named a football coach for Leo’s storied history on the gridiron. Not many were there but most recall Leo playing in front of an estimated crowd of 110,000 at Soldier Field against Austin High School in the Prep Bowl in 1937 and in front of 95,000 on the same field against Tilden in 1941.

The growing student body has increased interest in sports and extracurricular activities such as chess, as well as for Leo’s most visible and valuable asset—the Leo Choir, the most recent Leo representative at Soldier Field, singing to 63,500 fans at half time of the Bears game.

Leo offers a College Prep and Honors Curriculum. The school’s educational leaders have developed a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum designed to prepare today’s students for the “next step”—college, the military or the work force—as they convert 21st-century challenges into opportunities.

Leo’s staff is committed to working with students and challenging them to give their best and realize their best selves. Teachers, students and parents value the small class sizes that ensure each student gets the support and attention he needs to succeed and flourish.

Leo participates in Big Shoulders Fund Plus, which is an initiative in 30 schools across Chicago.

Big Shoulders made this commitment in recognition of the exceptional value Leo provides to families and its important role in the community.

Leo’s partnership with Big Shoulders Fund strengthens the school’s long-term sustainability and vitality.

Leo has enjoyed a 100-percent graduation rate for the last 12 years, with every senior accepted to college. Due to the overwhelming turnout for Leo’s two entrance exams, the admissions office will be making its selections early this year.