History of Maryvale High School

In 1960 a bond initiative was approved for $16 million, the largest ever for Phoenix Union.Three-fourths of the funds were dedicated to building three new high schools.

Construction on Maryvale began on August 14,1961, using the same design as Alhambra created by architect Frederick P. Weaver, which had just finished construction. John J. Dickmann was the contractor on the 56-acre campus, and the school was built for $3.5 million.

Maryvale High School began fall semester 1962 as a guest on the Carl Hayden campus. The school moved to the new campus on Feb. 4, 1963, with 1,812 freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Seniors stayed behind at Carl Hayden. The first year there were four administrators, 66 teachers, and 12 classified personnel. Maryvale's first principal was Louis E. Burnett. The formal dedication ceremony was held on campus May 5, 1963, with Phoenix Mayor Sam Mardian giving the featured address.

The next fall, September 5, 1963, was the first day of classes with all four grades, and Maryvale was filled to its 2,500 student capacity.

School symbol: Panther
School colors: Black and gold
Founded: 1963

Panther Fight Song

Go Panthers! Fight for victory all the way!
And we do our best so our team will win!
We have the spirit that will show you we're from
MARYVALE,
And when things look black we'll charge right back again!
So guard the black and gold of Maryvale,
And to her name may your aim be true!
Go Panthers! GRR-HISS-BOOM-F-I-G-H-T
Fight! Yes, fight for MARYVALE!