So there was a great story posted on ChicagoTribune.com recently about the original screenplay for one of the most memorable movies from the 1980s turning up during on office move in Park Ridge. The full story, by Jennifer Johnson, is about how and why the first version of “The Breakfast Club” was uncovered at Maine South High School.
The news caught my attention for a few reasons; I graduated from Maine East High School in the 80s and grew up within walking distance of Maine East and the former Maine North High School where the film was shot. Maine North’s doors were closed by the time I was a freshman, but the building was a popular place in the summer where everyone knew the pool and the gym were open. When we walked over to go swimming, I do remember seeing lots of trucks and trailers in the Maine North parking lot. However, I don’t recall ever bumping into Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson or Anthony Michael Hall – but that would have been really cool!
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The screenplay discovery got me thinking about those who walked the halls throughout the history of Maine Township’s four high schools (East, North, South and West), particularly those who rose from humble beginnings to national and international stardom. In fact, there are two prominent MTHS alums that need no introduction and are going to make a lot of headlines this year. Make that, quite a lot.
Before he was flying the Millennium Falcon as Han Solo in “Star Wars” and then never losing his hat while running around the world as Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford attended Maine East before heading into Hollywood history. I think he’s got a new movie coming out in December where he plays Han Solo again, and I’m sure that will get at least a little attention from fans…at least.
On the political front, way before she became secretary of state, a senator and the first lady, Hillary (yup, that Hillary) grew up in Park Ridge and attended Maine East. Hillary Rodham finished high school at Maine South when it opened its doors in 1964 and later became better known as Hillary Rodham Clinton.
All political and entertainment preferences aside, you’d have to look really hard to find a high school district with two bigger celebrity alumni than those two (Kardashian siblings notwithstanding). Then add the making of “The Breakfast Club” into the mix and High School District 207 can start building an in-school hall of fame. Great idea, but which school gets it?
Anyone have a three-sided coin?
Eric Scott is a Pioneer Press community contributor.