Peace and Education Coalition High School

     Sister Irene Dugan (December 4, 1909 - July 21, 1997), a Religious of the Cenacle and a Professor of Spirituality from Loyola University, worked to form a support group in November, 1996, for at-risk youth from the Back of the Yards neighborhood.  She mentored the group and taught a process of life-skills reflection that to this day has guided many of the young men and women who today attend the Alternative High School that carries her name. 

      Sister Irene emphasized personal responsibility, staying off the streets, and taking time to read and reflect.  On July 20, 1997, during her final session with the youth, she offered a lesson on peaceful death.  In her final hours she lay dying, with the young people at her bedside, she reminded them that they have a right to be loved.  Those same youth had the honor to be pall-bearers at her funeral.

      During spring of 1998, as the youth continued to meet weekly, the group unanimously decided to name the new school after Sister Irene, wanting to remain committed to her example of reflecting on the choices one makes for life.