Get to know Glenbard South's leading lady

Everyone sees the school principal. They're the ones out front at the end of the day making sure everyone gets to their buses on time.

And when there's an exciting event at school, they're the person in front rallying the troops.

Of course, fall afoul of the building law and you're likely to have a one-on-one encounter, not to mention a stern talking to.

We thought it might be nice for the community to know a little bit about the individuals who agree to watch over the schools and their charges. All principals were sent questionnaires with some serious topics -- and some funny ones, too.

This is the first in an occasional series.

Terri Hanrahan, principal, Glenbard South High School, Glen Ellyn, Glenbard High School District 87

Age: 43

Family: Grew up No. 7 in a family of eight.

Grew up in: Evergreen Park, Ill.

Ultimate pet: Golden Doodle.

What's your education philosophy in one sentence? All children can learn.

Personal hero: My niece Kelly. She was born prematurely, with many physical problems. Throughout her life she has had 20-plus surgeries, yet she never complains or uses her illnesses as an excuse to behave or perform poorly. She brings goodness and light wherever she goes.

How did you wind up in education? As number seven in a family of eight it was hard to find my place. Good or bad, one of my older siblings had already done it. I had a social studies teacher my sophomore year in high school, Rita Fitzgibbons-Fox, who taught me that everyone has their own gift to give to the world. Basically, she told me to forget about competing with my siblings and start living my own life. I wanted to be that kind of influence on other people.

What is your dream vacation? I have always wanted to see Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd ... pay off my debts, give each family member some money, go to Zimbabwe and then give the rest away. Too much money is a dangerous thing!

Favorite reality show? I don't watch TV.

What can Glenbard South parents expect from you? I don't mince words, so parents can expect honesty and an unending desire to do right by their children.

Cubs or Sox? CUBS!

If you could invite one literary character to dinner, who would you pick and why? I would invite Atticus Finch. He is the type of person I would like to be. I want to know how he found the courage to take on all that he did in the book.

Musical guilty pleasures: Neil Diamond.

Favorite childhood book? Flat Stanley.

Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? Parachuting.

What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? Truancy Tracker. It is a way to quickly look at and track student attendance for every period of the day.

Latest new "it" word you've heard from a student? Chillax.

What lasting impression do you hope to leave? Someone who served others, did her job well and had fun while doing it.

What's the worst influence on today's youth? The media. There is way too much glorification of violence, drugs and sex.

Thing that makes today's teens distinct? For all the complaining people do about teenagers, this generation is better educated than any previous generation. Additionally, youth crime is declining, though most people think it is increasing. Finally, youths are engaged in community service like never before. They have a very real chance of becoming the greatest generation.

If I could change one thing about the world it would be … less violent.

If you could paint your office any color it would be … why Raider Blue of course, which also happens to be Cubbie blue!