Rockhurst High School

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Rockhurst High School Theatre Department
State Line Road

Rockhurst High School Music
State Line Road

Dowling, S.J., wrote to his superiors telling them that he had selected a site at 52nd Street and Troost Avenue for the Jesuit school that was to be built in Kansas City. He called it “Rockhurst,” drawing inspiration from legendary Stonyhurst College in England, because the grounds were stony and a grove of woods nearby inspired him to use the word “hurst.”

The school was officially chartered by

the State of Missouri on August 30, 1910. Four years later, on the morning of September 15, 1914, forty-two students enrolled in the freshman and sophomore classes at the new school. Greeted by three Jesuit faculty members, they became the first of thousands of young men to be educated at Rockhurst and graduates of the class of 1917. The school’s original prospectus defined the education and purpose of The Academy of Rockhurst College as follows: “to turn out young men whose mental faculties have been so developed and formed that they may successfully enter upon the immediate preparation of any career.” The first Jesuit faculty accomplished this by offering a course of classical studies with equal emphasis on moral formation and religious instruction, noting “it is men who are to be trained, not mere minds.” The Academy of Rockhurst College became Rockhurst High School in 1923, though it remained as part of the original corporation that included both the college and the high school. In 1962, Rockhurst High School became a new and separate corporation when it moved to its present site at 9301 State Line Road. Greenlease family became the high school’s principal benefactor and the name “Greenlease Memorial” was added to the school’s official title. Rockhurst High School enjoys a national reputation of excellence. “Rockhurst Hawklets” have achieved countless scholastic honors, sports titles, and have consistently contributed in positive ways to the world community in business, government, and social sectors as alumni. With a student body of 1,075, today’s Hawklets are poised to write the next chapter in a storied history of excellence. Baum, SJ was named the school’s sixteenth president on February 1, 2004. Under his direction, and through the dedication of alumni, parents, faculty and friends, Rockhurst High School continues to be a place where young students learn to become “men for others” who distinguish themselves for the greater glory of God.

08/22/2024

#𝟏

Rock Soccer is starting the season as the top-ranked team in the country according to the United Soccer Coaches Association! Our Hawklets went 24-0-0 last year and ended as the 2023 National Champions.

We're excited for new players to step up and accept the challenges ahead! Rock State! AMDG

Photos from Rockhurst High School's post

08/22/2024

Catch Nick Nazzaro '16 in this week's Starlight production of "West Side Story", performing as A-Rab, one of the Jets! Shows each night through Sunday at 8 p.m.

Full circle... back in 2016 Nick was nominated for the Starlight Blue Star Awards Rising Star Scholarship! AMDG

08/21/2024

FINAL CALL TO SIGN UP FOR THE INAUGURAL ALUMNI FANTASY FOOTBALL COLLECTIVE!

https://www.rockhursths.edu/alumni/alumni-fantasy-football-collective AMDG

Calling all Rockhurst Alumni!

With football season right around the corner, join the inaugural year of the Alumni Fantasy Football Collective (AFFC)! Reconnect with fellow alumni, relive the excitement of friendly competition, and support your alma mater through this engaging and charitable initiative. The Rockhurst AFFC aims to foster community spirit and strengthen bonds among alumni, all while contributing to a great cause.

Sign up today ($35) to be grouped together with other Rockhurst alumni in your era, and let's make this season one to remember! AMDG
https://www.rockhursths.edu/alumni/alumni-fantasy-football-collective

08/20/2024

Jabari Cambridge '25, a four-year member of Rockhurst's Instrumental Music Program and the RHS Drum Line, had the opportunity to attend the five-week Aspire Program at Berklee College of Music in Boston over the summer.

Jabari studied with some of Berklee's professors and staff, and met other young musicians from all over the world. AMDG

08/19/2024

Welcome back Hawklets! AMDG

08/19/2024

Rockhurst is excited to host another year of the Jesuit Speaker Series, featuring four Society of Jesus guest speakers throughout the 2024-25 academic year.

Our first installment is on Monday, Sept. 9 as we welcome Fr. Jeff Johnson, SJ, to talk about artificial intelligence, Jesuit education, and the incarnation.

And be sure to mark your calendar for the other three events (Oct. 15, Dec. 10, Feb. 11). There is no charge to attend these Ignatian evenings.

RSVP for the Sept. 9 talk: https://www.rockhursths.edu/jesuit-speaker-series AMDG

08/16/2024

Now officially Rockhurst students, our freshmen in the Class of 2028 had their first experience as "men for others."

All 227 Hawklets spent the morning at one of 10 local organizations to assist with a variety of projects. This was the first of four Freshman Days For Others that these Hawklets will complete throughout the year.

We are proud to continuing serving Elmwood Cemetery, Kanbe's Markets, KC Parks & Recreation, KC Water Cleanup, KCK Police Athletic League, Lead To Read KC, St. Mary's House, St. Therese Little Flower, Uplift KC, and W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center.

Great job, freshmen! AMDG

08/15/2024

Rockhurst High School's Class of 2028:
• 227 boys
• 60 zip codes
• 59 feeder schools
• 4 years ahead
• 1 brotherhood

Welcome to The Rock! AMDG

08/15/2024

Freshman Orientation continues on thanks to the leadership of upperclassman volunteers! This morning included introducing freshmen to their "Cura" small groups that they will remain with for the entire year, meeting school counselors, taking school ID photos, and learning our student expectations.

Following lunch, freshman groups completed scavenger hunts throughout campus and are now going through a modified day at The Rock, meeting their first semester teachers. AMDG

08/15/2024

WELCOME TO THE ROCK, CLASS OF 2028!

Our newest Hawklets are on campus for Freshman Orientation! After being greeted by upperclassman SGA members, freshmen and their parents were invited to the Rose Theater for a celebration of Mass as the class' first gathering.

More updates to come throughout the day. AMDG

08/14/2024

Our final faculty/staff gathering before students return to campus tomorrow was this afternoon's celebration of Mass and the missioning of our new faculty and staff members.

We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2028 tomorrow for Freshman Orientation, as well as several transfer students who are joining our school community.

Our school year theme is Servant Leadership; we are thankful for the opportunity to help lead the young men of Rockhurst toward a hope-filled future. AMDG

08/14/2024

Reminder about the Alumni Fantasy Football Collective! Sign up today! AMDG

08/08/2024

Congratulations to Jack Manning '25 who has committed to continuing his academic and athletic career at the United States Military Academy at West Point!

Jack earned a spot on the offensive and defensive lines as just a sophomore, and then started every game at offensive guard as a junior while the Hawklets went 11-2 and finished the season as the #2 team in Missouri. He also tallied 18 tackles and a forced fumble while playing high-leverage downs on defense. Jack was named to the 2023 All-District Team.

He will move to offensive tackle for his senior season and will continue to step in for big plays on defense. Jack will be counted on as a team leader in 2024 while bringing his playing experience as a three-year starter. Way to go, Jack - Rock State! AMDG

08/07/2024

We are excited to have our Hawklet students back next week for orientations! Along with our incoming freshmen and transfer students, Rockhurst welcomes eight new faculty/staff members who are joining the RHS Community.

(L-R) Will Gorden, Stephen Powell, Karen Moore, Ben Calvano, Stacey Lukas, Christopher Melton
Not pictured: Michael Dean, Gabriella Kelsch Bledsoe

Learn more about each here: https://www.rockhursths.edu/news-detail?pk=1592433&nc=23781&fromId=275447 AMDG

08/02/2024

More than 50 recent Rockhurst graduates joined us last night for a young alumni networking event organized by the RockConnect Committee! Alumni volunteer mentors spanning five decades also attended to share their industry knowledge and experience.

RockConnect, our alumni professional engagement initiative, already has 70+ experienced alumni committed to serving a mentors to these young professionals under the age of 30 who are in college or just beginning their careers.

Learn more at https://www.rockhursths.edu/alumni/rockconnect AMDG

07/31/2024

Alumni Reunion Week is October 9-12!

We will be celebrating all classes ending in 4 and 9 as well as all Golden Hawklets (Classes of 1973 and earlier).

Learn more below and register today! AMDG
https://www.rockhursths.edu/alumni/alumni-events/alumni-reunion-week

07/31/2024

Happy Ignatius Day to all Jesuits, colleagues and friends! Learn more about his life and use these Ignatian resources to aid you in your contemplation: http://ow.ly/SclT50K80I7

07/31/2024

Fifteen Hawklets are participating in the fourth and final Total Ignatian Experience (TIE) service trip of the summer, TIE Kansas City. This group of 12 sophomores, one junior, two seniors, and three faculty chaperones are spending seven days working with Jerusalem Farm and Pendleton Heights Garden to improve living conditions for our neighbors in need. They also spend time getting to know the residents, as well as reflecting on their experiences this week.

Between TIE KC, TIE Tijuana, and TIE Tennessee, 63 Rockhurst students offered weeks out of their summer break to serve others locally, nationally, and internationally. We are proud of these young men and their commitment to being "men for others"! AMDG

07/30/2024

We had 32 rising juniors participate in the third annual Ignatian Leadership Formation Retreat, led by three rising seniors (Brady Batz '25, Henry Cusick '25, and Soren Ursick '25).

The 24-hour retreat was held at the Heartland Retreat Center over Sunday and Monday and included leadership talks, goal setting exercises, and team building challenges.

A great experience for these Hawklets as they prepare for larger leadership roles within our community! AMDG

07/30/2024

Rockhurst prays in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. Terrence A. Baum, SJ, who passed away peacefully last evening.

A letter from President David Laughlin: https://www.rockhursths.edu/news-detail?pk=1592074&nc=23781&fromId=269304 AMDG

07/29/2024

Reminder about the Rock Shop Back To School Sale - all orders need to be placed by July 31 to guarantee delivery before school starts! AMDG
https://rockshopfall2024.itemorder.com/shop/home/

07/29/2024

Rockhurst seniors stand out at the Great Communicator Debate Series (GCDS) National Championship held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA!

Both of our debaters, Pete Mandacina '25 and Solomon Naraine '25, advanced at the competition! Pete was a Semifinalist (Top-4) and earned a $5,250 scholarship, while Solomon was a Quarterfinalist (Top-8) and earned a $2,500 scholarship!

Pete and Solomon were among just 16 high school students nationwide selected as finalists with all-expenses paid trips to compete over the weekend.

For the second straight year, Rockhurst was the ONLY school in the country with multiple finalists at the national championship!

Way to go, Pete and Solomon! AMDG

07/25/2024

One week away! The Rockhurst High School Alumni Association's RockConnect committee is excited to host another networking opportunity on Thursday, August 1!

This event is for younger alumni (age 30 and under) who could benefit from the Rockhurst alumni network to help land an internship, first job, or next role. You do not need to be 21+ to attend.

The RockConnect committee is also seeking experienced alumni willing to share their industry wisdom with younger peers.

Rock Alumni: learn more and register at https://www.rockhursths.edu/alumni/rockconnect/rockconnect-networking-event AMDG

07/24/2024

Nineteen Hawklets and six faculty/staff chaperones have offered some of their final days of summer to volunteer internationally on Total Ignatian Experience (TIE) Tijuana!

They are partnering with Esperanza International to improve living conditions for families in need as they work at two different job sites throughout the week. AMDG

07/22/2024

Rockhurst Football hosted its Mom's Football 101 Clinic on Saturday. Thanks to all the Rock Moms that made it a special morning creating new friendships, hearing from their sons about the upcoming season, and getting to know Coach Donohoe's staff! Rock State! AMDG

📸 Tyler George '25

07/17/2024

The "Fore!Teenth" Annual A Round For Brian Golf Tournament is on Friday, July 26th! Funds benefit the Brian Patrick Euston ('05) Foundation, supporting Rockhurst High School students and their families.

Sponsorships, team registrations, and volunteer slots are still available. Great day for a great cause! AMDG
https://aroundforbrian.org/

07/16/2024

Be a Rockhurst Athletic Sponsor for the 2024-25 seasons!

This marketing opportunity also provides charitable support to benefit the RHS Athletic Department. Sponsors will receive marketing deliverables that include athletic website ads and social media sponsorship, as well as football season tickets, all sports passes, reserved parking, and more!

Learn more at https://www.rockhursths.edu/athletics/athletic-sponsorships Rock State! AMDG

07/15/2024

Members of Rockhurst's Counseling Department are attending the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national conference here in Kansas City over July 13-16. They are continuing their own education of best practices and resources to better serve our students.

(L-R) Ryan Brennan, Kim Brown, Ali Cooper, and Carol Dougherty. AMDG

07/15/2024

Check out the Rockhurst High collection available on the Rock Shop online sale! Load up for the upcoming year with the newest Hawklet gear! AMDG
https://rockshopfall2024.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Claim ownership or report listing

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Kansas City?
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

The Rock

In 1908, Rev. Michael P. Dowling, SJ, wrote to his superiors telling them that he had selected a site at 52nd Street and Troost Avenue for the Jesuit school that was to be built in Kansas City. He called it “Rockhurst,” drawing inspiration from legendary Stonyhurst College in England, because the grounds were stony and a grove of woods nearby inspired him to use the word “hurst.”

The school was officially chartered by the State of Missouri on August 30, 1910. Four years later, on the morning of September 15, 1914, forty-two students enrolled in the freshman and sophomore classes at the new school. Greeted by three Jesuit faculty members, they became the first of thousands of young men to be educated at Rockhurst and graduates of the class of 1917.

The school’s original prospectus defined the education and purpose of The Academy of Rockhurst College as follows: “to turn out young men whose mental faculties have been so developed and formed that they may successfully enter upon the immediate preparation of any career.” The first Jesuit faculty accomplished this by offering a course of classical studies with equal emphasis on moral formation and religious instruction, noting “it is men who are to be trained, not mere minds.” The Academy of Rockhurst College became Rockhurst High School in 1923, though it remained as part of the original corporation that included both the college and the high school.

In 1962, Rockhurst High School became a new and separate corporation when it moved to its present site at 9301 State Line Road. The Robert C. Greenlease family became the high school’s principal benefactor and the name “Greenlease Memorial” was added to the school’s official title.

Rockhurst High School enjoys a national reputation of excellence. “Rockhurst Hawklets” have achieved countless scholastic honors, sports titles, and have consistently contributed in positive ways to the world community in business, government, and social sectors as alumni. With a student body of 1,000, today’s Hawklets are poised to write the next chapter in a storied history of excellence.

David J. Laughlin began his service as the school’s 17th president on July 1, 2018. Under his direction, and through the dedication of alumni, parents, faculty and friends, Rockhurst High School continues to be a place where young students learn to become “men for others” who distinguish themselves for the greater glory of God.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam