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.

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.

[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.

[20] 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.

[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.

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

[35] 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.

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

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 marching band has performed at several major events, including the 1981 Cherry Blossom Festival parade in Washington D.C, the 1984 Cotton Bowl Classic.

[49][50] The band also performed at the 1993 Presidential Inauguration Parade, as a representative of First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's alma mater.