In 2013 the district announced that due to budget issues it planned to eliminate athletic programs. This would have eliminated Cahokia High School's programs. In June of that year the district board voted 6-0 to keep athletics and arts programs, but at the same time it voted to close two schools and consolidate other academic programs. Therefore the high school retained its academic programs.
Eighty percent of Cahokia's graduates enroll in college or post-graduate training programs.
In 1985, CHS art teacher Robert Maguire was named the "Illinois Teacher of the Year" by the National Teacher of the Year project of the Council of Chief State School Officers.
As of 2006, the student body of the school was 85.1% black, 13.8% white, 0.9% Hispanic and 0.2% Asian/Pacific Islander.
Terron Armstead, offensive tackle for the New Orleans SaintsByron Gettis, former MLB player (Kansas City Royals)Denny Reed, noted recording artist, Class of 1959, appeared twice on American Bandstand. Denny recently had his song, "A Teenager Feels It Too", featured on season six, episode 4, "To Have and to Hold" of the award-winning TV show,"Mad Men".[1] This link [2] leads to a comprehensive interview with Denny concerning his music career. Videos of six of Denny's songs are available on YouTube [3].Richard Stilwell, noted baritone opera singer, Class of 1960. Performed at Metropolitan Opera and internationally. Provided vocals for the Oscar-winning movie Amadeus (film). Currently voice instructor at Chicago College of Performing Arts. Videos available on YouTube [4]Dr. C. Robert O'Dell, Class of 1955, noted astrophysicist and member of The Hubble Heritage Project, currently distinguished research professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Author of The Orion Nebula - Where Stars Are Born [5], published in 2003. Hubble images attributed to Dr. O'Dell available on YouTube.Robert L. Bovinette, Class of 1958, head of Albuquerque Academy 1985–1996, Executive Vice President and Treasurer at Occidental College- past president and CEO of the Commonfund. Currently chair of the Northern Illinois University Foundation, his Alma Mater. Video tribute available on YouTube [6].Dr. Gary Simmons Class of 1959, a noted, award-winning, nationally recognized, pen-and-ink artist and art instructor at Henderson State University in Arkansas[7]. He lives in Hot Springs, Arkansas, has recently authored a book, The Technical Pen: Techniques for Artists[8], has designed book covers for others and was commissioned to do the cover art for the late jazz legend Dave Brubeck's last CD, Songs. Gary's art work and bios are accessible on line and on his Facebook page, Gary Simmons Studio.