Mark McDonald:
CLASS OF 1974
Elgin High SchoolClass of 1974
Elgin, IL
Mark's Story
I have great memories of Elgin High School and where I grew up. I went to college to play football and become a journalist, and left as a teacher and coach. I taught and coached for 8 years, then became an assistant principal at West Aurora High School--our great rival from the 1970's. I eventually became principal at West Aurora, then Assistant Superintendent, then Principal of Downers Grove South High School, and now Superintendent of Schools in Downers Grove. Along the way I earned a master's degree and then a doctorate at the University of Illinois, which at the time was one of the top three or four programs in the country.
I have been married for 28 years and have two sons--the oldest is 24 and an accountant; the youngest is a senior in college studying mechanical engineering. Both of my sons were/are college athletes and captains of their colle...Expand for more
ge teams. My wife has a master's degree and is an elementary school reading specialist.
The career path I have taken includes a lot of 60 and 70 hour weeks, sometimes even in the summer. The job is also my social life and has been for many years. I lost my father earlier this year and I was struck by how many of his former high school friends were still there for him at the end of his life. He made a much better effort in his life to keep track of his friends than I have. I regret that.
Lately I have met--purely by accident--a number of EHS graduates among my professional circles including Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents of Schools. Apparently EHS has produced a number of fine educators over the years--at least a number that have risen through the ranks to take important roles. At any rate, I am always very proud of where I came from.
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