Philosophy, perspectives behind the principal

For the rest of the school year, we'll feature an occasional series 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

Joy Higgins, principal, Johnson School, Bensenville, Bensenville Elementary District 2

Age: Old enough to realize what I want to accomplish and still young enough to accomplish it.

Family: John, my husband; daughters Jessica and Justine; three grandchildren Jordan, Joshua and Jenna.

Grew up in: Texas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Germany and New Mexico.

Your ultimate pet? My two cats, Louis and Armand.

What's your education philosophy in one sentence? We do what's best for boys and girls.

Personal hero: My father, the late Rev. George Allen Packard.

How did you wind up in education? I wanted to make a difference in the world. And helping students learn is a way to make a real impact on the future.

What is your dream vacation? A long trip to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd #8230; try to help as many people as possible after I buy a cool car.

Favorite reality show? I don't like reality shows, there's nothing real about them.

Cubs or Sox? Sox

If you could invite one literary character to dinner, who would you pick and why? Gandalf from "Lord of the Rings."

Musical guilty pleasures? The soundtrack from "Wicked."

Favorite childhood book? "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott.

Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? Parachuting ... I did that a very long time ago.

What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? Our Breakfast with Books program.

What lasting impression do you hope to leave? That I was someone who genuinely cared about the education of children.

Thing that makes today's students distinct? They're more tech savvy than any previous generation.

If I could change one thing about the world it would be #8230; to have every child in the world loved, cared for and educated.

If you could paint your office any color it would be #8230; a lovely shade of green.