Few Illinois schools can boast of a history as rich, diverse and celebrated as East Aurora High School. For more than 150 years, the school has played an integral role in shaping the city of Aurora.

According to The Educational History of Illinois, private subscription schools were taught by various teachers on the East Side of Aurora starting in 1834. The first class from East Aurora High School—four girls, graduated in 1867. The first high school was built on Center Street.

In August 1912, East Aurora High School opened a new, larger building on Jackson Street. The total cost of the structure was $225,000, including $25,000 to buy the land. That building is now K.D. Waldo Middle School.

The present East Aurora High School campus opened in 1957, with several additions to the high school since then.

Graduates of East Aurora High School have earned the Medal of Honor, served in Congress, earned the Navy Cross, played in the NFL and NBA, represented Aurora in the Illinois Legislature, served as fire chief and police chief, advised the President of the United States and performed at the world’s greatest concert halls.

Tomcats have become teachers, judges, lawyers, doctors, musicians, inventors and artists. Tomcats have started businesses, raised families and earned the community’s admiration.