• 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

    Maryvale Principals

    Louis Barnett, 1962-1972

    David Goodson, 1972-1979

    George Miller, 1979-1981

    Wellesley Goodwin, 1981-1987

    George Mannon, 1987-1991

    Rene Diaz, 1991-1993

    Linda Goins, 1993-1994

    James Sandoval, 1994-1999

    Barbara Dobbs, 1999-2003

    Phillip Verdugo, 2003-2015

    Manuel Silvas, 2015-2018

    Shakira Simmon, 2018-2020

    John Doherty, 2020 - Present

    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!