Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Pat Dowell and Chicago Public Schools officials today for a pep rally at Wendell Phillips Academy to celebrate the football team’s victory at the state championship. This is the school’s second state championship title in three seasons.

“The Wendell Phillips Academy High School Wildcats’ success on the field is matched only by the academic strides its students have made in the classroom,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Chicago is proud of their success on and off the field and I want to congratulate the entire Phillips community on another sensational season.”

Wendell Phillips first won the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) championship in 2015, and was the first CPS school to achieve the state title.

“Athletic teams like the Phillips football team help our students lead healthy, active lives while providing experiences that will instill the invaluable lesson of teamwork,” said Chicago Public Schools Chief Executive Officer Forrest Claypool. “We’re so proud of the Phillips team for their consistent excellence and leadership.”

Phillips has been managed by the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) since 2010. For the past three years, the college acceptance rate for graduating seniors was 100 percent. 

“I want to congratulate the Wildcats’ for winning their second state football championship in three seasons,” said Alderman Pat Dowell, 3^rd Ward. “The commitment and determination of these students made this dream a reality.”

Bronzeville has seen many significant investments and ongoing development. Recently, Mayor Emanuel, the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Public Library announced a new fieldhouse at Williams Park and significant upgrades to the Chicago Bee library branch. Other recent investments in the area include the recently announced Parade of Homes residential housing initiative, the new Mariano’s grocery store, the 35th Street pedestrian bridge and the Ellis Park Arts and Recreation center. Bronzeville is among several neighborhoods including Englewood and Woodlawn undergoing a resurgence of public and private investments under the Mayor’s leadership.

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