Meet Glenbard North Principal John Mensik
John Mensik, principal Glenbard North High School, Carol Stream, Glenbard High School District 87
Age: 34
Family: Wife, Laura: two children
Grew up in: Lombard
Your ultimate pet:. Chia Pet (just kidding)
What's your education philosophy in one sentence? Every student is unique and important and we need to treat them that way.
Personal heroes: My mom and dad
How did you wind up in education? Mr. Rossetti, my high school speech teacher and wrestling coach, had a big impact on me and inspired me to be a teacher.
What is your dream vacation? Alaskan cruise
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd … send my parents to Italy for a vacation.
Favorite reality show? Man vs. Wild
Cubs or Sox? Definitely SOX.
Favorite childhood book? "Oh, The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss
Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? Bungee jumping. I did it once and I will never do it again.
If you could invite one literary character to dinner, who would you pick and why? Atticus Finch from "To Kill A Mockingbird" because he was an incredible father.
Musical guilty pleasures? I am a country fan -- 99.5 FM.
What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? The Reading Readiness Program that will begin in the 2008-09 school year.
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? Be proud of who you are and the things you can accomplish.
Thing that makes today's students distinct: Technology -- 20 years ago nobody knew what e-mail was.
If I could change one thing about the world it would be ... How our educational system is financed.
If you could paint your office any color it would be … BLACK and GOLD.