Earlier this school year, Donna Nowak joined North’s staff to work as an administrative assistant to the principal. However, many people do not know that Nowak is also a gymnastics official for the National Association of Women’s Gymnastics Judges, USA Gymnastics and IHSA.
“There’s different kinds: There’s the IHSA, so high school gymnastics I do. I judge that all over the place,” said Nowak. “I do JV and varsity, and then I do Junior Olympic Gymnastics, which is what you see on TV.”
Nowak has been officiating gymnastics for 10 years, but she has been involved in the sport for 35 years. She emphasizes the importance of effort and determination in gymnastics.
“It’s been in my blood. I was a gymnast, so it was one of those things where I was like, ‘okay, my kids are off on now. Maybe I can step further in doing this,’” said Nowak. “And there’s a lot in it. You gotta test, you have to do practicals [and] you have to put so many hours into clinics to make sure you know what you’re doing.”
One thing Nowak loves about gymnastics is the perseverance and dedication shown by athletes, even when they make mistakes.
“I like to see when the athlete actually fails but then recovers and sees what more is standing in front of them. That’s a true athlete, I think. You never want to really get down on yourself after that,” said Nowak. “You can’t let [one mistake] rule or regulate who you are and what you are. I think that’s what makes you stronger, and I think that helps with development in your life.”
This positivity and determination help Nowak manage her many responsibilities at North. Her job is to make sure that everything is running smoothly in the principal’s office by scheduling meetings and working with other staff members throughout the building.
“I actually support the principal, Shanna Lewis with her daily calendar, things that are coming up [and]
newsletters that she needs to have done,” said Nowak. “[I also collaborate] with all the administrative assistants that we have throughout the building to work and help them with their projects.”
Before coming to North, Nowak supported the principal at Heineman Middle School, which is located in Algonquin, Illinois.
“I worked for the principal there, and I was the financial secretary, so I basically [made sure we stayed on budget],” said Nowak. “I was actually the athletic secretary, too.”
Transitioning to working at a high school was a different educational experience, but thanks to North’s welcoming community, Nowak was excited to give it a try.
“When I met [the North staff], I felt good. I had that really good vibe where I felt this is where I belonged,” said Nowak. “You guys are moving on to a new chapter in your life, which is kind of exciting to watch and see, so it’s that maternal thing that kind of comes out.”
Nowak enjoys seeing high school students step into a new part of their lives.
“I like watching you guys develop and just build your own type of identities,” said Nowak. “I think this school is a really great school. It’s always been a great school.”
