Meet Forest Glen principal Mary Hornacek
Meet the Principal is an occasional series by Catherine Edman 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.
Mary Hornacek, principal, Forest Glen Elementary School, Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn Elementary District 41
Age: This is my 24th year as an educator.
Family: I am one of five children. I am married and have two children. My husband is an attorney. My son is a sophomore in high school and my daughter is a sixth-grader.
Grew up in: LaSalle, Ill. My father still lives in the home where I grew up.
Your ultimate pet: A cat
What's your education philosophy in one sentence? Do your best every day!
Personal hero: My parents
How did you wind up in education? I always wanted to be a teacher. I never had any other career aspirations.
What is your dream vacation? Anywhere where it is warm and there is an ocean or lake. I love to go to the beach!
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd … retire. I would spend more time with my children and travel the world!
Favorite reality show? Survivor. I still watch it every week.
Cubs or Sox? I grew up a Cubs fan. I have always been a Chicago fan.
If you could invite one literary character to dinner, who would you pick and why? Harry Potter. There are seven years of Hogwarts to discuss, and so much more!
Musical guilty pleasures: I love all musical genres, although country music is my least favorite.
Favorite childhood book? "Yertle the Turtle" by Dr. Seuss.
Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? Rappelling.
What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? The balance literacy framework.
Latest new "it" word you've heard from a student? Fly.
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? That my children feel I was a good mother and gave them a good foundation for their future!
What's the worst influence on today's youth? Video games, violence glorified in music, and violent movies.
Thing that makes today's students distinct? Comfort level with technology of any kind.
If I could change one thing about the world it would be … Unkindness toward others of all ages.
If you could paint your office any color it would be … several shades of blue.