DeKalb Times

There is a personal history driving Huntley Middle School Assistant Principal Billy Hueramo's dream of making school a positive experience for students. 

“Growing up, school was always a struggle for me,” Hueramo told DeKalb Times. “I felt like I needed a lot of support socially, emotionally and academically. However, I couldn't really find it except for when I had those special teachers that made personal connections with me. I did not get where I am today by doing it alone, so I guess I wanted to make a positive impact on students' lives and help them become successful.” 

Hueramo taught for a number of years before he moved into his current position of leadership, which gave him insight into the challenges facing today's teachers and students. 

Billy Hueramo

“I have served as a teacher for five and a half years, and as assistant principal another five and a half years,” Hueramo said. “I've served on the Conexion Comunidad Board and Barb Food Mart Board, but my greatest community impact is definitely the relationships I build with students.”

As an assistant principal of a middle school, where impressions are everything, Hueramo is trying to set a positive example for his students.

“My goal is for students to know that I'm a human being just like them, that I struggled to get to where I am and still struggle today,” Hueramo said.” I want to be able to model for them how far having grit can take you. In doing this for them, I hope it drives them to try harder and be successful in their futures.”

Hueramo works tirelessly in his present position, but he does find time to dream about new ways in which he can serve his community. 

“I would like to become a superintendent one day, preferably in this community, so I can make a bigger positive impact on students' lives,” he said. “ I would also like to strengthen the relationship between educators and parents because I feel like that is unfortunately diminishing. I think by making that impact we are creating a better community for everyone.”