Lake County Gazette

As Westminster Public Schools marked Veterans Day, several staff members reflected on their military service and how it continues to influence their work in education. The district highlighted the stories of veterans who now serve as teachers, principals, and staff.

Charles Price, who served seven years in the U.S. Army with the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized), works in the WPS Logistics Department. He said, “My gratitude is that, at my age, I’m still healthy and able to come to work each day.” Price’s commitment to service remains evident in his daily contributions to students.

Derek Hawkins spent five years in the U.S. Navy training reservists in a helicopter squadron. Now a teacher at Westminster High School, Hawkins explained his motivation: “I have always loved the idea of ‘Service before Self,’” a value he says guides him in his current role.

Jimmy Chism served eight years as a Captain and Military Intelligence Officer in the Army National Guard before becoming principal at John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy. He stated, “What I gained most from that experience was a deep sense of service to others and a commitment to integrity above all else.”

Patrick Lineberger enlisted in the Navy while still in high school and served during significant events such as the war on drugs and the first Gulf War. Now teaching at Westminster High School, Lineberger said, “The Navy taught me personal responsibility, accountability, what it truly means to be a member of a team, and many other great life lessons.”

William Asper joined the Navy after graduating from Westminster High School and worked aboard the USS Harry S. Truman before serving as a Reservist with the Seabees. Asper described how military values shape his approach: “The Seabees have a motto: ‘We build; we fight!’ and ‘Can Do.’ As a family man and custodian, I’ve adopted that same ‘can do’ attitude for every obstacle life brings. That mindset comes directly from my military training.”

All veterans interviewed expressed gratitude not only for their time in uniform but also for continuing to serve through their roles at Westminster Public Schools. One veteran summarized this perspective by saying, “In serving others, you grow as a person.”

Mark Belnay, history teacher at Hidden Lake Secondary School, emphasized teaching students about veterans’ sacrifices through personal stories like that of his grandfather Anthony Foschini—who served with distinction during World War II.

Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 represents schools across Lake County including elementary schools such as Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School and Glen Flora Elementary School; middle schools like Daniel Webster Middle School; an early learning center; Waukegan High School; among others (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district has over 1,000 teachers earning an average salary of $63,524 according to state data (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). Its student population is predominantly Hispanic (79.5 percent), with smaller percentages identifying as Black (13.2 percent), White (3.2 percent), or Asian (1.3 percent) (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In 2020, spending per student totaled $23,429 for an overall expenditure of more than $359 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).