Principal Spotlight: Jason Williams, Northeast High School

How well do you know the principal at your neighborhood school? We’re surveying local principals to learn more about their hobbies, their best stories and some facts that might surprise you. This month, we’re featuring Jason Williams of Northeast High School.

Q: How long have you been at Northeast High School?

A: I am currently in my eighth year as principal. I was an assistant principal at NHS from 2008 to 2011.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a principal?

A: Working at this school. I truly enjoy working with the students, parents, and faculty and staff of Northeast High School. I enjoy coming to work and creating the best educational experience I can for these kids.

Q: Which school event do you look forward to the most each year?

A: Spirit Day. The school spirit our kids have is second to none.

Q: If you could have dinner with one person from history, who would it be?

A: Thomas Jefferson. He’s the most influential architect of our democracy.

Q: Where in the world have you not traveled but would like to travel eventually?

A: I would love to take my family Europe: Italy, Greece, and the British Isles.

Q: What is your favorite professional sports team?

A: My hometown in Western Pennsylvania played host to the summer training camp of the Pittsburgh Steelers. When most kids at a young age wanted to be superheroes, like Batman or Superman, I wanted to be Mean Joe Greene or Jack Lambert.

Q: Do you cook? What is your favorite dish to prepare?

A: If it were not for my loving and wonderful wife, we would all starve.

Q: What was your least favorite food as a child? Do you still hate it or do you love it now?

A: Brussel sprouts — hated them, they would make me gag. Now, when they are pan-fried with bacon — delicious!

Q: What is your favorite movie, show or book? Why?

A: The book “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck. I really enjoy the epic story, Steinbeck’s ability to capture the Salinas Valley landscape in words, and mythical nature of the characters. Also, the character Lee is the most interesting character ever created.

Q: What is the best gift anyone’s ever given to you?

A: That’s easy. My beautiful wife, Nikki, gave me her hand in marriage, three beautiful children and a wonderful life together.

Q: If you have a day with absolutely no plans, how do you spend it?

A: Hiking with my kids. We go into the book “50 Hikes of Maryland,” pick a spot and go.