Maine South High School

Maine South High School
Address
1111 S. Dee Rd.
Park Ridge, Illinois, 60068
USA
Coordinates 42°00′05″N 87°51′11″W / 42.0014°N 87.8531°WCoordinates: 42°00′05″N 87°51′11″W / 42.0014°N 87.8531°W
Information
School type public, secondary
Opened 1964
School district Maine Township HS 207
NCES District ID 1724090[1]
Superintendent Ken Wallace[2]
CEEB Code 143377[3]
NCES School ID 172409005031[1]
Principal Mr. Shawn Messmer[4]
Teaching staff 171.5 (FTE)[1]
Grades 912
Gender coed
Enrollment 2,617[1] (2010-11)
Average class size 21[1]
Student to teacher ratio 19:1[1]
Campus type suburban[1]
Color(s)      red
     black
     white[5]
Fight song Hail to the Hawks
Athletics conference Central Suburban League
Mascot Harley[6]
Team name Hawks[5]
Average ACT scores (2010-11) 24.6[7]
Publication Equinox[8]
Newspaper Southwords[9]
Yearbook Eyrie[10]
TV/radio WMTH[11]
Website http://south.maine207.org/

Maine South High School is a public four-year high school located in Park Ridge, Illinois, a north 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 Rodham Clinton, a member of the school's first graduating class.

History

Bids on the construction of Maine South opened on 18 March 1963.[12] 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, Rosemont and unincorporated Norwood Park Township.

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.[13]

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.[14] 1969 also saw the first expansion of the school with the addition of the student cafeteria, and some physical education and classroom areas.[15]

In 1973, the North Central Association, an academic accreditation agency, rated Maine South as "one of the top 10 high schools in the nation."[16]

In 1986 and 1987, officials from Maine South were instrumental in pushing the Illinois High School Association to recognize girls soccer.[17]

The 1988-1989 school year saw Maine South recognized by the United States Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School.[18]

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.[19]

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.[20]

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.[21][22]

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).[23][24]

Academics

In 2009, Maine South had an average composite ACT score of 24.4, and graduated 95.8% of its senior class. Maine South has not made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) on the Prairie State Achievement Examination, a state test used in Illinois to fulfill the mandates of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, because its one sub-group did meet AYP in reading.

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.[25][26] Maine South is ranked 9th by the Chicago Tribune among public non-magnet high schools in Illinois, ranked according to average PSAE scores.[27]

The school offers 20 Advanced Placement courses in English Language, English Literature, U.S. History, U.S. Government and Politics, Micro/Macro Economics, European History, Comparative Government, Calculus (AB & BC), Computer Science (A), Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics (C), Spanish Language, French Language, Music Theory, Studio Drawing, Chinese Language and Culture.

In addition, there are courses in multivariable calculus and differential equations which are offered to students pursuing mathematics beyond the AP program.

The Foreign Language Department offers five-year programs in French, German, Italian, and Spanish, and a four-year program in Mandarin.[28]

The school also offers many electives in the Applied Arts & Technology Department. Within this department there are three departments: Applied Technology, Business, & Family and Consumer Sciences. The Business Department offers Introduction to Business, Computer Applications, Web Design, Marketing, Business Law, Web Technology, Entrepreneurship, Graphic Design, Accounting, College Accounting, and Internships. The FCS department offers two levels of foods, five levels of fashion, psychology, preschool, and child development.

Student life

Academic competition

The Maine South Constitution Team has won the Center for Civic Education's "We The People" competition in Illinois for the past sixteen years straight. In 1999 the team won the national competition in Washington D.C..[29]

The Rube Goldberg machine team has won the state competition five times (2012, 2011, 2010, 2006 and 1999). In 2007, the two Maine South teams finished first and third in the Chicago area regional, and then finished second and third at the state competition, marking the first time two teams from the school have placed that high in the competition.[30]

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, 02-03, & 06-07.:[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, 84–85, and 85–86, prior to the IHSA sanctioning soccer for girls. Over that time, the team went 60-0-4. From 1985–1987, 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]

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 2003-2011. During that stretch, Maine South was runner up from 2003-2005 and won three consecutive state championships from 2009-2011. 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 2009-2012[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, two symphony orchestras, a jazz band, and many choirs. In addition, there are four theatrical performances, including a musical each spring,a play in the fall and winter, and a variety show in the fall as well.

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

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Mark Filip
Ray Ozzie
Adam Rosales

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Maine South High School". statistical abstract. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). October 2009. Retrieved 16 August 2011.
  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. "Maine South administrative directory". Maine South High School. Retrieved 5 May 2009.
  5. 5.0 5.1 "School info for Maine South HS". Illinois High School Association (IHSA). Retrieved 5 May 2009.
  6. Johnson, Jennifer (19 May 2009). "Maine South mascot: 'We can rebuild him ... better than he was before'". Park Ridge Herald-Advocate.
  7. "2010 Illinois School Report Card - Maine South High School". Statistical abstract (Chicago Tribune). 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  8. Equinox homepage; south.maine207.org; accessed 5 May 2009
  9. "Southwords homepage". Maine South High School. Retrieved 5 May 2009.
  10. "Eyrie homepage". Maine South High School. Retrieved 5 May 2009.
  11. "WMTH homepage". Maine South High School. Retrieved 12 May 2009.
  12. "Maine Board Eliminates 8 from Coaching". Chicago Tribune. 3 March 1963. pp. NW–A4. Retrieved 20 August 2008.
  13. "Watson Gets Maine South Principal Job". Chicago Tribune. 29 December 1963. pp. NW2. Retrieved 20 August 2008.
  14. "Maine High Schools get new Dress Code". Chicago Tribune. 11 January 1970. Retrieved 20 August 2008.
  15. Thornton, Jeannye (30 August 1970). "Maine District School Ready for New Year". Chicago Tribune. pp. N A7. Retrieved 20 August 2008.
  16. "Rate Maine South among U.S. top 10". The Trib. 5 October 1973. p. 1.
  17. .umi .com/pqdweb ?did=24636273 &sid=1 &Fmt=3 &clientId=68442 &RQT=309 &VName=PQD Lepitch, John, A Soccer Proposal is Studied, 19 January 1987, Chicago Tribune, p. 8 (Sports); accessed 23 August 2008
  18. Department of Education List of Blue Ribbon Schools
  19. .umi .com/pqdweb ?did=17165465 &sid=1 &Fmt=3 &clientId=68442 &RQT=309 &VName=PQD Van Duch, Margaret, District 207 seeks funds to curb noise, 15 January 1996, Chicago Tribune, p.3; accessed 23 August 2008
  20. .umi .com/pqdweb ?did=22490208 &sid=1 &Fmt=3 &clientId=68442 &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
  21. Harness, Matt (28 August 2009). "Maine South 64, Schaumburg 35". Park Ridge, IL: Park Ridge Herald-Advocate. Retrieved 30 August 2009. He also rushed for three TDs to break in the new artificial turf field with a win.
  22. 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.
  23. "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
  24. Sun-Times Media Staff (12 August 2011), "16 sets of twins, 3 sets of triples, 1 Guinness record", Chicago Sun-Times: 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."
  25. Top 50 High Schools in Illinois, Chicago Sun Times; accessed 1 November 2008
  26. HOW WE RANKED THE SCHOOLS ::, Chicago Sun-Times, accessed 1 November 2008
  27. Schools that performed best on the PSAE, Chicago Tribune; accessed 1 November 2008
  28. Maine South curriculum guide; accessed 30 November 2008
  29. "We the People" homepage
  30. Rube Goldberg website at Argonne National Laboratory
  31. Thayer, Dale; Masonic Academic Bowl Recap; May 2004; Scholastic Visions, vol. 12, #4; accessed 24 May 2009
  32. Maine South Activity Records at IHSA.org
  33. Maine South HS Athletic Department; accessed 30 November 2008
  34. Maine South Athletic Records at IHSA.org
  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. http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Sean-Price-2405
  39. Tyler Knight - Yahoo! Sports
  40. Quarterback Jimmy Coy named Rawlings-NAIA National Football Player of the Year | Saint Xavier University News Room
  41. Charlie Goro - Yahoo! Sports
  42. Tyler Benz - Yahoo! Sports
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  44. List of Maine South student organizations; accessed 31 August 2008
  45. Broadcasting - WMTH-TV/FM
  46. .umi .com/pqdweb ?did=36268360 &sid=1 &Fmt=3 &clientId=68442 &RQT=309 &VName=PQD DeFotis, Dimitra, Maine South Band tunes up for Bowl Berth, 25 November 1998, Chicago Tribune, p. 3 (Northwest Edition); accessed 23 August 2008
  47. newsletter with brief article noting the Orange Bowl performance
  48. .umi .com/pqdweb ?did=24272144 &sid=1 &Fmt=3 &clientId=68442 &RQT=309 &VName=PQD Lawrence, Curtis, Maine South band preps for inaugural, 7 January 1993, Chicago Tribune, p. 6; accessed 23 August 2008
  49. .umi .com/pqdweb ?did=24303688 &sid=1 &Fmt=3 &clientId=68442 &RQT=309 &VName=PQD Poe, Janita, Staying in Step, 18 January 1993, Chicago Tribune, p. 1; accessed 23 August 2008
  50. Grammy in the Schools
  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
  52. Baseball Reference.com's entry on Dave Bergman being drafted from Maine South
  53. Chicago-area Players in the Majors, 4 July 1983, Chicago Tribune, p. WCS3; accessed 23 August 2008
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  60. Article from Maine South's Southwards about Mark Greenwald's trip to the Olympics
  61. Hoff hopes team can peak at right time
  62. Edison, Jim, Hoff hopes team can peak at right time, 7 August 2008, Pioneer Press; accessed 23 August 2008
  63. link to pdf download of CHM Board
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  68. Sweet, Lynn (23 February 2001). "Politics thicker than blood?". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 6. Rodham, same as his sister, attended Maine South High School. The '68 grad played lots of sports: football, baseball and wrestling, and ...
  69. 70.0 70.1 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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  76. http://www.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=489295
  77. Article from Maine South's Southwards highlighting Nancy Swider as a skating coach
  78. Area Athletes Ready to Conquer Innsbruck, Edith Herman, 2 February 1976, Chicago Tribune, p. B7; accessed 20 August 2008
  79. These area athletes will chase gold, Jody Homer & Neil Milbert, 29 January 1984, Chicago Tribune, p. C6; accessed 20 August 2008
  80. Taylor Bell's article naming Jim Walewander to the all-time Chicago area Major League team

External links