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Palatine Township High School opened in 1875 as a
two-year extension beyond 8th grade.
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By 1900, 121 students had graduated from PHS.
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In 1901 the first organized team, baseball, was
formed. They were undefeated in all three games.
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The first student newspaper was published in 1912.
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The first telephone was installed in 1915 and the
first mimeograph machine and radio was installed in 1925.
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The first band consisting of 30 members and our 1st
football team were organized in 1928.
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Gerald McElroy was hired to teach in 1931 at a salary
of $1,600 a year and the first secretary was hired at $5 a week in
1933.
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In 1935 the Palatine Relays evolved from the
Invitational Track Meet that began in 1932.
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National Honor Society was formed in 1936 and six
seniors and two juniors were inducted.
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In 1944, 23 of the 56 members of the senior class left
for military service.
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The PHS parents' club was formed in 1959. We
also see the first Pirate Pete on the cover of the Spotlight.
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In the late 60's many girls' sports were offered for
the first time.
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Our first computer class was offered in 1974.
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The Time Capsule was sealed in June 1978 and will be
opened in 2026.
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The original lintel from the Joel Wood School built in
1912 was relocated in 1983 to our current building.
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In 1984 our first IHSA State championship team was
Girls' Badminton. Since that time 14 additional PHS teams have
also been state champions.
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Palatine High School was recognized by
the United States Department of Education as a two time Blue Ribbon
School of Excellence and a New American High School Award winner.
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And finally, in the past 125 years we have had
approximately 22,000 Pirates graduate from PHS.