Know Your Neighbor: Jessica Bicknell, Associate principal Sterling High School
Sterling High School Associate Principal Jessica Bicknell, 30, handles issues such as student safety and support, teacher supervision and evaluation, curriculum development, discipline and alternative high school. She is the daughter of Mark and Debbie Bicknell of Bluffs. She has a brother, Timothy Bicknell, a sister, Valerie Johnson, both 28, and of Minneapolis. On-the-job lesson: It truly is what you do, not only what you say, that people see in you and that builds the foundation for a meaningful relationship. Alma mater: I graduated in 1996 from Bluffs High School. I received my bachelor's degree in music education in 2000, from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. I received my Master of Education in educational leadership in 2007, from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. Oughta be a law: That everyone gets one complaint, no more than that, each day. Once it's gone, it's gone. After that, you will just have to be positive. Hearts: I enjoy working out, whether it be running, lifting, spinning or playing any sport. I also love to travel and stay in close contact with my friends around the world. I am a sucker for a good (Roger) Federer or (Rafael) Nadal tennis match, even better if they are playing each other. Recent TV favorites are "The Daily Show," "Lost," BBC in the mornings and "No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain." Darts: My hair stands on end when people use double negatives or the phrase "should have went." Haunts: Westwood Sports Center, although it's usually at ungodly hours in the morning. I can be seen more often than not running down Lynn Boulevard or Freeport Road, trying to get to a park or road leading me on a run. Hero: I respect my dad for the career choices he has made without doubting why he made them. After graduating with a music education degree, he taught for a semester and disliked it so much that he changed his path. He has now been farming for over 30 years. Without any formal business degree, he owns his own corporation, is self-employed, continuously educates himself and is successful, both professionally and personally, which allows him the freedom and peace of mind to truly enjoy life. Shout out: To my students in Spanish class who keep my skills going even though I'm back in the U.S. Thanks, guys! And to the four manly men who moved my piano into my house. You guys are awesome, and I'm sure I still owe you for that one. Do you know someone who ought to be featured in Know Your Neighbors? Write to Phil Hartman at phartman@svnmail.com or call 800-798-4085, ext. 524.
