Maine South High School
Address
Map
1111 South Dee Road

Park Ridge
,
Illinois
60068

United States
Coordinates42°00′05″N 87°51′11″W / 42.0014°N 87.8531°W / 42.0014; -87.8531
Information
School typepublic, secondary
Opened1964; 60 years ago (1964)
School districtMaine Township High School District 207
NCES District ID1724090[1]
SuperintendentKen Wallace[2]
CEEB code143377[3]
NCES School ID172409005031[4]
PrincipalBenjamin Collins[5]
Teaching staff144.10 (FTE)[4]
Grades9–12
Gendercoed
Enrollment2,390[4] (2018-19)
Average class size21[4]
Student to teacher ratio16.59[4]
Campus typesuburban[4]
Color(s)  red
  black
  white[6]
Fight songHail to the Hawks
Athletics conferenceCentral Suburban League
MascotHarley[7]
Team nameHawks[6]
PublicationEquinox[9]
NewspaperSouthwords[10]
YearbookEyrie[11]
TV/radioWMTH[12]
Websitesouth.maine207.org

Maine South High School (officially known as Maine Township High School South)[13] is a public four-year high school located in Park Ridge, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago, Illinois, in the United States. It is part of Maine Township High School District 207, which also includes Maine East High School and Maine West High School.

Maine South is well known for its academic, athletic, and fine arts success. Since at least 1992 it has also received mention in national media as the alma mater of Hillary Clinton, a member of the school's first graduating class.

History

Bids on the construction of Maine South opened on March 18, 1963.[14] Maine South was built in 1964 on the grounds of a former landfill to meet the growing educational needs of the area, mainly the city of Park Ridge, but also some of Niles, Harwood Heights, Norridge, and unincorporated Chicago.

The first principal, Clyde Watson, was appointed in December 1963, in order to give him time to begin forming the first parents and music booster clubs.[15]

Until 1969, students were under a dress code that included a requirement for men to be clean shaven, and that hair had to be cut above the collar.[16] 1969 also saw the first expansion of the school with the addition of the student cafeteria, and some physical education and classroom areas.[17]

In 1973, the North Central Association, an academic accreditation agency, rated Maine South as "one of the top 10 high schools in the nation."[18]

In 1986 and 1987, officials from Maine South were instrumental in pushing the Illinois High School Association to recognize girls soccer.[19]

The 1988–1989 school year saw Maine South recognized by the United States Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School.[20]

Welcome sign

In 1996, after several decades of existing in the shadow of nearby O'Hare International Airport, the school received federal funds which allowed for the installation of soundproof windows, air conditioning, and sound dampening ceilings. The project began in 1997 and took three years to complete.[21]

1998 saw the completion of the last major addition to the building: a sixteen classroom, four laboratory extension on the east end of the academic wing.[22]

In 2008, graduation ceremonies, which since the first graduating class had been held on campus (except for the 2004 graduating ceremonies, which were held at Harper Community College due to the construction of the new bleachers), were moved to the nearby Rosemont Theatre.

Over the summer of 2009, the athletic stadium had lights and an artificial turf surface installed.[23][24]

In July 2011, the Guinness World Records certified that the Maine South class of 2014 had set a world record for the most multiple birth sets in the same academic year (16 sets of twins and 3 sets of triplets).[25][26]

Academics

Maine South's academic programs range from remedial/academy class, to accelerated honors/AP classes. Based on performances in 2008, Maine South is ranked 11th among public non-magnet high schools in the state of Illinois, ranked according to a standardization of Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) scores.[27][28] Maine South is ranked 9th by the Chicago Tribune among public non-magnet high schools in Illinois, ranked according to average PSAE scores.[29]

The Foreign Language Department offers five-year programs in French, German, Italian, and Spanish, and a four-year program in Mandarin.[30]

Student life

Academic competition

In 2007, the school's Scholastic Bowl team won the state championship tournament sponsored by the Ancient, Free, & Accepted Masons of Illinois.[31]

The chess team won IHSA State Championships in 2001–02, 2002–03, & 2006–07.[32]

Athletics

Maine South sponsors teams for both boys and girls in basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and water polo. Boys are also able to compete in baseball, football, and wrestling, while girls are able to compete in badminton, cheerleading, and softball.[33]

Maine South competes in the Central Suburban League South Division. In state competition, Maine South competes in the largest potential school classes in each sport sponsored by the Illinois High School Association.

The following teams have won IHSA sponsored State Championship Tournaments:[34]

In addition, the girls soccer team won three consecutive unofficial State Championship Tournaments in 1983–84, 1984–85, and 1985–86, prior to the IHSA sanctioning soccer for girls. Over that time, the team went 60-0-4. From 1985 to 1987, the team scored in 62 consecutive matches, which is an Illinois state record among girls teams, and would be second if boys teams were also included.[35][36]

The Maine South Hawkettes dance team won UDA National Championships in High Kick in 2011, 2017, 2019, and 2022.

Maine South football has been one of the most successful programs in Illinois in recent history. Maine South went to the 8A State Championship game 6 out of 8 years between 2003 and 2011. During that stretch, Maine South was runner up from 2003 to 2005 and won three consecutive state championships from 2009 to 2011. The team has qualified for the IHSA playoffs each year since 1992, and has only two losing seasons since 1980. Only six teams in the State of Illinois have longer active streaks qualifying for the playoffs (through 2012–13). Maine South has not lost a conference football game since 2000 participating in the Central Suburban League. Maine South is well known for their football program throughout the nation. They were ranked first in state from 2009 to 2012[37] during which produced 3 of 4 Illinois Player of the Year in Charlie Goro (2009, QB), Matt Perez (2010, RB), and Matt Alviti (2012, QB). Maine South is also known as QB High. The previous 6 starting QBs have received scholarships to Division I (NCAA) programs, with 5 of 6 accepting the Division I (NCAA) scholarships.

Clubs

Maine South supports 79 student organizations running the gamut from academic competition and performing arts to public service and special interest clubs.[44]

Among the organizations, from the standpoint of national or international notability, are branches or chapters of the National Forensic Association, Quill and Scroll, SADD, Tri-M, DECA, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, and Amnesty International.

WMTH (WMTH-TV/FM) is a club that is connected with broadcasting classes at Maine South and at the other schools in the district. The radio station broadcasts on 90.5 FM and can be heard within the Park Ridge, Illinois area, as well as through a webcast through the district webpages. The transmitting tower for the station is located at Maine East High School. The club also films the Maine South Hawks home football games.[45]

Fine arts

The school sponsors several musical groups, including: marching band, concert band, two symphony bands, chamber orchestra, three symphony orchestras, a jazz band, and many choirs. In addition, there are four theatrical performances per year including a musical each spring, a play in the fall and winter, and a variety show in the fall.

The marching band has performed at several major events, including the 1981 Cherry Blossom Festival parade in Washington D.C, the 1984 Cotton Bowl Classic. It later performed at the 1996, 1999, and 2001 Orange Bowl Parades.[46][47] The band also performed at the 1993 Presidential Inauguration Parade, as a representative of First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's alma mater.[48][49]

In 2001, the Grammy Foundation named Maine South a Signature School.[50]

In 2009 and 2011, violinist Mark Wood taught a series of workshops to the members of the school orchestra in preparation for a concert he performed with them.[51]

Notable alumni

Politics and law

Arts and entertainment

Athletics

Other

References

  1. ^ "Maine South High School". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  2. ^ "District staff directory". Maine Township High School District 207. Retrieved 2 August 2009.
  3. ^ "High School Code Search". College Board. Retrieved 3 November 2009.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Maine South High School". statistical abstract. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). October 2009. Retrieved 16 August 2011.
  5. ^ "Maine South staff directory". Maine Township High School District 207. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  6. ^ a b "School info for Maine South HS". Illinois High School Association (IHSA). Retrieved 5 May 2009.
  7. ^ Johnson, Jennifer (19 May 2009). "Maine South mascot: 'We can rebuild him ... better than he was before'". Park Ridge Herald-Advocate.
  8. ^ "2010 Illinois School Report Card - Maine South High School". Statistical abstract. Chicago Tribune. 2011. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  9. ^ Equinox homepage; south.maine207.org; accessed 5 May 2009 Archived 20 November 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ "Southwords homepage". Maine South High School. Archived from the original on 16 July 2010. Retrieved 5 May 2009.
  11. ^ "Eyrie homepage". Maine South High School. Archived from the original on 20 November 2008. Retrieved 5 May 2009.
  12. ^ "WMTH homepage". Maine South High School. Archived from the original on 16 July 2010. Retrieved 12 May 2009.
  13. ^ "Classof2023FreshmanLetter.pdf" (PDF). Maine South High School. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  14. ^ "Maine Board Eliminates 8 from Coaching". Chicago Tribune. 3 March 1963. pp. NW–A4. ProQuest 182629908.[dead link]
  15. ^ "Watson Gets Maine South Principal Job". Chicago Tribune. 29 December 1963. pp. NW2. ProQuest 179335185.[dead link]
  16. ^ "Maine High Schools get new Dress Code". Chicago Tribune. 11 January 1970. ProQuest 169000672.[dead link]
  17. ^ Thornton, Jeannye (30 August 1970). "Maine District School Ready for New Year". Chicago Tribune. pp. N A7. ProQuest 169839619.[dead link]
  18. ^ "Rate Maine South among U.S. top 10". The Trib. 5 October 1973. p. 1.
  19. ^ Lepitch, John, A Soccer Proposal is Studied, 19 January 1987, Chicago Tribune, p. 8 (Sports); accessed 23 August 2008[permanent dead link]
  20. ^ Department of Education List of Blue Ribbon Schools Archived 26 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  21. ^ Van Duch, Margaret, District 207 seeks funds to curb noise, 15 January 1996, Chicago Tribune, p.3; accessed 23 August 2008[permanent dead link]
  22. ^ &RQT=309&VName=PQD Wion, Rick, Classroom wing to be added to Maine South, 11 November 1997, Chicago Tribune, p. 2 (Northwest Edition); accessed 23 August 2008[permanent dead link]
  23. ^ Harness, Matt (28 August 2009). "Maine South 64, Schaumburg 35". Park Ridge, IL: Park Ridge Herald-Advocate. Archived from the original on 7 September 2009. Retrieved 30 August 2009. He also rushed for three TDs to break in the new artificial turf field with a win.
  24. ^ Montgomery, John (29 August 2009). "Benz drives offense in excellent debut". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 30 August 2009. The Hawks set a school record with 64 points in a season opening game on a new field with new permanent lights.
  25. ^ "Most multiples in the same academic year at one school". World Record Citation. Guinness World Records. 17 July 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2011. The most multiple birth sets in the same academic year at one school is 17, and consists of 14 sets of twins and 3 sets of triplets, achieved by Maine Township Highschool South in Park Ridge, Illinois, USA
  26. ^ Sun-Times Media Staff (12 August 2011), "16 sets of twins, 3 sets of triples, 1 Guinness record", Chicago Sun-Times, p. 6, With 16 sets of twins and three sets of triplets, the incoming sophomore class at Maine South High School in Park Ridge is truly record setting. Last month, the Guinness World Records website proclaimed last year's freshman class the world record holder for "the most multiple birth sets in the same academic year."
  27. ^ "Top 50 High Schools in Illinois" (PDF). Chicago Sun Times. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 April 2009. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  28. ^ "HOW WE RANKED THE SCHOOLS". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 9 November 2008. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  29. ^ Schools that performed best on the PSAE, Chicago Tribune; accessed 1 November 2008
  30. ^ Maine South curriculum guide; accessed 30 November 2008[dead link]
  31. ^ Thayer, Dale; Masonic Academic Bowl Recap; May 2004; Scholastic Visions, vol. 12, #4; accessed 24 May 2009[dead link]
  32. ^ Maine South Activity Records at IHSA.org
  33. ^ Maine South HS Athletic Department; accessed 30 November 2008 Archived 16 July 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  34. ^ "Maine South Athletic Records at IHSA.org". Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 15 August 2007.
  35. ^ IHSA All-Time Girls Soccer Records
  36. ^ IHSA All-Time Boys Soccer Records
  37. ^ IHSA football menu; Summary of Qualifiers (Team Info Links); accessed 3 November 2009
  38. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.((cite web)): CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  39. ^ Tyler Knight - Yahoo! Sports
  40. ^ "Quarterback Jimmy Coy named Rawlings-NAIA National Football Player of the Year". Archived from the original on 18 January 2013. Retrieved 16 January 2013 – via Saint Xavier University News Room.
  41. ^ Charlie Goro - Yahoo! Sports
  42. ^ Tyler Benz - Yahoo! Sports
  43. ^ Football Recruiting – Matt Alviti – Player Profiles – ESPN
  44. ^ List of Maine South student organizations; accessed 31 August 2008 Archived 20 November 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  45. ^ Broadcasting - WMTH-TV/FM Archived 4 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  46. ^ DeFotis, Dimitra, Maine South Band tunes up for Bowl Berth, 25 November 1998, Chicago Tribune, p. 3 (Northwest Edition); accessed 23 August 2008[permanent dead link]
  47. ^ "newsletter with brief article noting the Orange Bowl performance" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 October 2005.
  48. ^ Lawrence, Curtis, Maine South band preps for inaugural, 7 January 1993, Chicago Tribune, p. 6; accessed 23 August 2008[permanent dead link]
  49. ^ Poe, Janita, Staying in Step, 18 January 1993, Chicago Tribune, p. 1; accessed 23 August 2008[permanent dead link]
  50. ^ Grammy in the Schools Archived 24 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  51. ^ "District 207 briefs". Niles, IL: Niles Herald-Spectator. 24 August 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2009. Maine South High School string-instrument students will perform in a Sept. 11 concert with international recording artist Mark Wood ... Wood ... will work with Maine South and middle school students ... as part of his "Electrify Your Strings" music education program ... Wood owns and operates Wood Violins[dead link]
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  57. ^ a b Hanson, Cynthia (September 1994). "I Was a Teenage Republican". Chicago Magazine. Chicago, IL, USA. Retrieved 20 September 2009. The "boys," as they're still called, are Hughie and Tony ... At Maine South, the boys were known as fun-loving jocks. The Rodhams expected them to perform as well on the football field as Hillary did in the classroom
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  68. ^ Article from Maine South's Southwards highlighting Nancy Swider as a skating coach Archived 29 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine
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  74. ^ Jim Rushford stats and bio; baseball-reference.com; accessed 12 May 2009
  75. ^ "from the park district to the Olympics". Archived from the original on 3 September 2006.
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  81. ^ Grimes, William (30 October 2016), "Susan Lindquist, Scientist Who Made Genetic Discoveries Using Yeast, Dies at 67", The New York Times, pp. A24, retrieved 21 November 2016, After graduating from Maine South High School in Park Ridge, Ill., she earned a bachelor's degree in microbiology from the University of Illinois in 1971 and a doctorate in biology from Harvard in 1976.
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External links

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