Getting to know the new BHS principal

Stephen McWilliams becomes Barrington High School's new principal in July, and he's not going to need much on-the-job training.

McWilliams has not merely worked at the school for the past 10 years, he was a student there -- and not long ago. He's just 33.

The 1993 graduate, promoted this week from associate principal, began his career as a science teacher at Streamwood High. He lives in Crystal Lake with his wife, Carrie, and sons Ryan, 4, and Jake, 3.

He spoke with the Daily Herald about his own high school days and how his own schooling is going.

Q. You graduated from Barrington High. As a student there, did you ever imagine you'd one day be principal? Or were you the type who actually fantasized about taking over the school?

A. No, no. I thought probably my senior year in high school I wanted to be a teacher. But back in high school, I never thought I would be in this position.

Q. What were you like in high school?

A. I was the editor of the yearbook my senior year, captain of the football team, also a track athlete. I did get into a bunch of different realms; I was definitely a science fanatic. I took art classes that I enjoyed. I think I used all the opportunities the high school gave me to the fullest.

Q. Why did you decide you wanted to be an educator?

A. The reason I got into education was some very positive teachers who helped me through some tough times … just normal teenage stuff … and helped put me on a positive track. They were good role models, and it's a noble profession. They kept me involved in school. Certainly I was a good kid. I think my mom would say that.

Q. You're working on your doctorate (at National-Louis University). How's that dissertation coming?

A. (Laughs) I'm just starting it right now, writing my proposal. What I want to do is focus on leadership in schools, building leadership capacity. I'm still kind of feeling that out a little bit.

Q. What's your favorite book?

A. Right now, it's kind of goofy, but I like "The Heart Aroused (Poetry and the Preservation of the Soul in Corporate America") by David Whyte. It's kind of about getting trapped in other people's dreams and how you have to be true to yourself, but from a business perspective.

Q. Favorite band or song?

A. I'm not a real big music fan. If I were to claim a favorite, it would be country.

Q. Favorite movie set in a high school?

A. I'll plead the Fifth on that one.