Seeking Landmarking Designation for Bowen High School
Recently, the on-going effort to have our alma mater building designated a significant property for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places has advanced significantly. Our interim-President, Marc, Edelstein (Class of 1968) reported in October 2025, that this Land marking project has advanced as a result of the financial support from the Bowen High School Alumni Association and the Landmarks Illinois Timuel D. Black, Jr. Fund. We were able to contract Ramsey Historic Consultants, Inc., (RHC) an expert organization in managing landmarking projects to successful outcomes. The process is expected to be completed sometime in 2026.
The Bowen High School Alumni Board of Directors reviewed and approved this contract with enthusiasm. They have collaborated with Principal Ms. Priscilla Horton in gathering pertinent historic photographs about the building designed by Mr. Dwight H. Perkins (1867-1941) in the Mission and Chicago School Architectural style. This information included floor plans, information about the community, student body enrollment and other documentation linked to its 115-years of history in serving South Chicago high school students.
Education Grant Policy and Process
BHSAA directors fully understand how critical an education grant may be to the applicant and their interest to enroll in higher education studies or a program in a recognized technical institution. The Board’s directive is to carefully review each applicant’s submission with expectations that it might produce an initial positive experience that will encourage and produce future life endeavors.
To support the above statement, the Board of Directors of BHSAA is working diligently to review and clarify its educational policy and application process it offers to Bowen seniors who may seek an education grant from this organization. Designated education grants are offered on a one-time bases solely through BHSAA provided it has funds available and the application and corresponding official documentation is submitted to the BHSAA office on a timely basis.
To identify applicants, BHSAA seeks names from a designated Bowen High School counselor who may serve as conduit of information to graduating seniors enrolled in this school. The graduating senior is expected to fully complete the application process on a timely basis as stated in the application.
Following a Military Reserve Tradition
Board Director and Treasurer, Robert J. Kuhel (Class of 1958), submitted a summary history of Bowen High School’s participation in the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC). His research indicates that this activity to train cadets is alive today and includes male and female high school youth. Robert and Board member David C. Vance, our Local School Council member visited the campus’ two ROTC instructors, US Army Master Sargent Eric Drakes and Sargent First Class Larry Majors in early November of this year.
Bob’s article gives us a brief history about Bowen’s ROTC program which may have been operating here in 1926-1927. However, this information could not be confirmed, he stated. His findings and campus photographs indicate that this program was active on the campus in 1929 and is active in 2025, after nearly a 100-year history.
This school year’s program had some 52 brave cadets enrolled who trained as officer and non-commissioned officers. Each was fully trained and colorfully dressed in Army service uniforms from head to toe in beret, insignia, medals, ribbons, necktie and shoes. In addition to annual ROTC Drill competition with 36 other Chicago school, Bowen’s cadets participated in Memorial Day Parade in downtown Chicago in 2025. Upon completing the program, each was eligible to enlist in the US Army at Grade level E-3, having a monthly salary of just under $3,000.
Bowen’s Basketball Games
As a student in Bowen High School, perhaps you were interested and participated in the school’s basketball program. Board member and Local School Council member, David Vance, reminds us that Basketball continues to be a very active and successful program since you graduated. He is often seen in the building and attends some of these games and other LSC meetings with local parents of Bowen HS students and other leaders who support this campus. The current basketball coach is Mr. Aaron Wilson. The 2025-2026 game schedule for this sport is available on the school’s website: Bowen High School Athletics. Go, and wear your Purple and Gold swag. You might meet some your classmates who still attend these games.
Potential Enrollment Growth at BHS
The BHS Alumni Association learned that the nearby Bush neighborhood Chicago charter school, EPIC Academy, which opened in 2009, might close its doors in June 2025. Bowen High School Principal, Priscilla Horton, shared this and other information at our November meeting. BHS currently has some 265 students enrolled. It is possible that some of the students being impacted by EPIC’s closure could transfer to BHS though the exact number is unknown. She said this growth would cause an increase in the number of new classrooms, instructors, and programs needed to accommodate the increased enrollment. Ms. Horton said she would welcome any students who transfer to BHS and they would be offered a fine education on this campus.
End of the year Celebration was held in the Bowen auditorium
The lights were dimmed, photography was difficult.
In a brief conversation, I gave my BHSAA card to a young woman alumni and congratulated her. (As I remember, she was a grant winner in 2010, $500.) I asked her to give me a paragraph on how her study and future plans were going.
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An end of the year Celebration was held in the Bowen auditorium, Dec 19th. There were many songs performed on a karaoke microphone. An extra special lunch was provided by Principal Horton. Self-serve hot chocolate was in the main hallway. Students and staff were relaxed and in a holiday atmosphere.
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Mission Statement
Bowen High School Alumni Association, Inc., is organized to support James H. Bowen High School’s programs, activities, education grants (formerly known as scholarships), strive to connect and engage Bowen High School alumni and friends to support the future of James H. Bowen High School, organize and support charitable activities, secure, raise and arrange funds to provide for the implementation and support such programs, activities, and services consistent with the purposes of the Corporation.