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The Alumni Association accepts donations throughout the year. For those that have donated, we thank you so very much. We hope you can do so again. Our final campaign runs from September 2025 to January 2026. It's purpose is to continue the Alumni Association programs and support to those students continuing to pursue vocational and undergraduate degrees.

Join the 1856 Campaign: Honoring the Legacy of

Peoria High School

On May 5, 1856, Peoria High School opened its doors and began a tradition of excellence that has endured for over a century and a half. As the oldest high school in Illinois, Peoria High has stood as a pillar of education, resilience, and achievement, shaping the lives of generations of students who went on to make lasting contributions in their communities, throughout our state, and across the nation.

Now, the Peoria High School Alumni Association invites you to honor that proud history and help secure its future through the 1856 Campaign.

Why the 1856 Campaign?

The campaign name reflects more than just the founding date of our historic school—it represents a living legacy. For over 165 years, Peoria High graduates have distinguished themselves as leaders, innovators, and citizens who embody the values of hard work, service, and integrity. From local community builders to national figures, our alumni have carried the Peoria High spirit into every walk of life.

The Alumni Association exists to preserve this legacy, strengthen connections among graduates, and support current students as they pursue their own paths to success. But to continue this important mission, we need your support.

How Your Gift Helps

Your contribution to the 1856 Campaign will:

Support Alumni Programs – Strengthening the bond between generations of Lions.
Preserve History – Ensuring the stories, traditions, and pride of Peoria High live on.
Invest in the Future – Helping the next generation of Peoria High students carry forward the school’s tradition of excellence.

Be Part of the Legacy

When you give to the 1856 Campaign, you’re not just making a donation—you’re investing in a legacy that began nearly 170 years ago and continues to thrive today. Every dollar honors the past, enriches the present, and inspires the future.

We invite all alumni, families, and friends of Peoria High to join us in this important effort. Together, we can ensure that the roar of the Lions will be heard for generations to come.

Donate Today

Join us in honoring the proud legacy of Peoria High School. Make your gift to the 1856 Campaign and help write the next chapter in our school’s remarkable story.

1856 Campaign QR Code

Mail a check to:

Peoria High School Alumni Association

1615 N North St

Peoria, IL. 61604

PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – EIN: 37-1267248

Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Established in 1856, Peoria High School is the largest oldest high school

in continuous operation West of The Allegheny Mountains

Want to help out PHS Students and their classes...

Want to help out the students directly? Here’s your chance to help out in the classes just a little bit. It will go a long way! They need supplies to get them started off running! The Alumni Association is dedicated to helping students go beyond High School but we also agree we need to help future Alumni. The links will take you to Amazon where it is easy to order. It goes straight to PHS.

Help the PHS Band

Help the PHS Performing School for the Arts

Larry Lavery: A Legacy of Coaching- Teacher and Mentor

Many of us who attended Peoria High in the late 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's were lucky enough to played for Coach Lavery in either wrestling or football. Some of us even learned to drive from Mr Lavery. In Coach Lavery's early days at PHS he coached wrestling and was an assistant coach in football. He was a successful wrestling Coach with a some great athletes that made them even better. In 1972, when Corky Robertson became Principal, staff changes were taking place. Dick Jamieson was moving on and Mr Robertson recognized Larry Lavery's skill and expertise in football. The rest is history. Lavery coached some powerhouse teams through the years and lead PHS football to be one of the top 15 winningest high schools in the state. Enjoy this great article by Dave Eminian of the PJ Star and look back at our outstanding coach!

No Pressure....first year of coaching PHS football....wins next two Thanksgiving Day games to close out the 59 year tradition the between Manual and Peoria High.

Peoria High won the long series Turkey Day games over the years against some powerful Manual teams. The series ended with PHS winning 32 games and Manual winning 21 games. There were six ties in the series.

Alumni News:

The Alumni Association congratulates Airport Director, Gene Olson '79, on another great year of leading the Peoria Airport to new heights. His leadership combined with a great staff have developed our local airport into a great airport in Illinois. Here's news release! Way to go Gene!

'79 Alumnus, Gene Olson, Leads Peoria's
General Wayne A Downing International Airport to New Levels

PIA Surpasses 80,000 Passengers for First Time in Airport History

Peoria, IL – July 2025 capped off a historic summer at General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA) with an unprecedented 80,836 passengers, a 26% increase over July 2024. This milestone not only sets a new all-time high, but also continues a remarkable trend, with 10 of the last 12 months setting monthly records.

“This is truly a milestone moment,” said Gene Olson, Director of Airports for the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria. “Crossing into the 80,000 range is something we’ve never seen before. It shows the strength of our market, the trust of our airlines, and the loyalty of our passengers who choose to Fly PIA.”

While July represents the peak of summer travel, airport officials note that demand naturally tapers in August with the return of the school year. Still, PIA is preparing for a busy Labor Day holiday weekend, with more than 14,000 travelers expected, representing a 17% increase over last year’s holiday weekend traffic.

“We’ve been operating about 20% ahead of last year’s passenger numbers,” Olson added. “If that momentum continues, we’ll have even more to celebrate as 2025 comes to a close.”

PIA encourages Labor Day weekend travelers to plan ahead by checking their airline’s mobile apps, monitoring flight status, and arriving at least two hours prior to departure.

Peoria High Schools Preparatory School for the Arts (PSA) has some very talented students and a super dedicated teacher, Meredith Popp. We hope you are successful in securing the grant!