The CHIEF October 2019

New Staff Interview: Mr. Campbell Interview By: Joe Gilmor

This year, we at PTHS have welcomed several new members to our school faculty and staff. One such addition is Mr. Joseph Campbell, whom I recently had the chance to interview for this month’s edition. Mr.Campbell was born and raised in Kerry, Illinois, a northwestern suburb of Chicago, where he attended Prairie Ridge High School. He was highly involved throughout his school and participated in both football and track and field throughout his high school career. After graduating from Prairie Ridge, Mr.Campbell decided to further his education in community college, though he quickly switched gears after finding the endeavor unsatisfying. Mr. Campbell served a four year stint in the Armed Forces, a time which he claims has touched many aspects of his life, especially his teaching methods and sense of comradery. After leaving the military, Mr. Campbell pursued a degree in Social Studies History Education at Illinois State University. While working on his degree, Mr. Campbell had the opportunity to student teach at PTHS and was immediately drawn to the unique sense of community felt throughout the school. Mr. Campbell says that he greatly admires the small-town feel of Pontiac, and believes that the size of PTHS allows students and teachers to develop close bonds not often present in larger schools.

So far, Mr. Campbell has thoroughly enjoyed his time here and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him in the halls of PTHS.