Dominic Sepich, principal, Westmore School
For the rest of the school year, we'll feature an occasional series in the Neighbor section introducing readers to the men and women who sit in the corner offices of schools across DuPage County.
Beyond learning why they entered education, you'll find personal details, such as whether they head to the North or South Side for a baseball game.We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we have.-- Catherine Edman
Dominic Sepich, principal, Westmore School, Lombard, Villa Park Elementary District 45
Age: 31
Family: I am not married, but I am the youngest of six children and have 16 nieces and nephews.
Grew up in: I grew up in Decatur (the original home of the Chicago Bears). People from the Chicago area call it southern Illinois, however, Decatur is really central Illinois.
Your ultimate pet: A wild mustang and the land to ride it on.
What's your education philosophy in one sentence? "Teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions."
Personal hero: My father, Joseph Anthony Sepich Jr.
How did you wind up in education? I find myself in education because when my career is all said and done, I want to know that I left the world a better place. I believe that education gives me that chance.
What is your dream vacation? I think my dream vacation would be to rent a house in Europe (off the coast of Croatia) for a year or two. Then I could travel to each country in Europe at my own pace and see the wonders of each.
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd #8230; make sure my family would never have to worry about money or sending their children to college. Then I would finish my school year and start my dream vacation. On my vacation, I would hire someone to set up a fund to help District 45 update all their classrooms with the most up-to-date technology possible.
Favorite reality show? I am not a huge fan of reality TV. I would have to say that "American Chopper" is the one that I do find myself watching from time to time.
Cubs or Sox? I am die-hard Cubs fan.
If you could invite one literary character to dinner, who would you pick and why? Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird." To this day, both Atticus and the book remain two of favorite literary pieces. I would take advantage of the time to ask Atticus all of the questions that go unanswered in the book.
Musical guilty pleasures: Alice Cooper still causes me to turn the radio up.
Favorite childhood book? Curious George.
Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? I have bungee jumped and rappelled. I plan on parachuting sometime in my life.
What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? As a college student, I saw students who were partnered with local elementary children. The students came to school and tutored the students. They truly became a role model and gave the students much needed attention and support.
Latest new "it" word you've heard from a student? "Nastical," which I think translates to cool.
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? I would to like to leave the impression that life is made up of the choices you make, so that puts my students in charge of their own futures.
What's the worst influence on today's youth? Truly, I think the Hollywood lifestyle is the worst influence on our youth today. Life is nothing like it's portrayed on television.
Thing that makes today's students distinct? I would say that our students' understanding and background in technology make them distinct. They really are the first generation to be completely surrounded by technology in all aspects of life.
If you could change one thing about the world it would be #8230; the attitudes we have toward each other. I would want people to truly see value in each person they encounter each day.
If you could paint your office any color it would be #8230; Since we are going to paint the rooms Cubby blue over the summer (at the request of our students), I think I would paint my office Chicago Bears' colors.