Steward, Illinois is located seven miles south of Rochelle just off of Interstate 39-US 51 in Alto Township in northeastern Lee County. It has a population of 300 and is mostly a residental area save a couple businesses and a tavern. The town was founded in 1855 and the present-day Burlington Northern-Santa Fe line brought prosperity to Steward.

 

The first schoolhouse in Steward was built in 1859. In 1881, a high school was organized at the southeastern corner of Perry Road (Main Street, County Route 2) and Steward Road (County Route 8) and served the village until the 1953-54 school year after which the high school students were sent to Rochelle. 

 

An update on the Steward school system and its former high school buildings was provided by John Metelko:

 

"The main part of the old Steward High School that was used for the Elementary school in the 60's 70's 80's and 90's was torn down and replaced by a new building.  The new Steward School is still connected to the old Steward High School Gym which is still used. Steward School now has students in grades Kindergarten through Eight." 

 

**From Asheri Campbell:

 

" In regards to the old part of Steward School being torn down and the new building be attached to the old that was the year of 1998, i was a member of the graduating class, May 8th 1998. We had started school almost a full month ahead of time and went to school most holidays so we could graduate in early May because of the construction and the hopes of it being completed by the following school year. We spent the last couple of months in the Gym with big partitions separating class so they could start construction."

 

For more information on Steward schools check out http://genealogytrails.com/ill/lee/leeschoolstewardhs.html .

 

 

Year Opened:                              1881
Different High Schools in Steward: 3 (2 burned down)
Year Deactivated:                         1954 
Consolidated to:                           Rochelle High School
School Colors:                              Blue & White
Nickname:                                    the "Blue Jays"
School Song:                                ??

 

 

 

More information is being sought about Steward High School; use the Guest Commentary Form or the School Submission Form to submit. If you have more Information about Steward High School, including a photo of the school, nickname, school colors and especially win-loss records and other great teams you would like to share please e-mail this website at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net .

 

You may also write us at:
 
Illinois HS Glory Days
6439 N. Neva St.
Chicago,  IL  60631