Teacher Spotlight: Nicholas Stillwell

Background Information: Born in Champaign, Nicholas Stillwell attended Champaign Centennial High School where he wrestled and played on the drum line in the band. Always having a passion to teach people new things and helping them understand concepts inspired him to become a teacher. Stillwell arrived at Urbana after attending a job fair for teachers in Charleston. While waiting in line to interview for Champaign Schools, he realized nobody was at the Urbana table. Two weeks later, Stillwell was assigned to be a long term sub for Carl Smith, whom the Smith Lab is named after, and eventually replaced him as a math teacher. Currently, this is Stillwell’s 18th full year at Urbana High School and he is enjoying every second.

Favorite part about UHS: I love working with my fellow faculty members and enjoy the diverse student body. Also, I feel UHS has wide ranging and top-academic curriculum that offers great benefits for students.

Describe an awesome Saturday outside of UHS: A great Saturday starts off with me making breakfast for my family, followed by lots of time to play games with my son, Timmy. Then, I would attend some type of Illinois sporting event and go out to dinner afterwards. Finally, the perfect Saturday ends by watching television with my wife.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?: I have a black-belt in taekwondo

Favorite restaurant in Champaign-Urbana: Texas Roadhouse

What is your best childhood memory?: Going on vacation with my family to the Upper Peninsula (Michigan) every year

Best trip you have ever taken?: My honeymoon to Puerto Vallarta
If you could go out for coffee with three famous people, who would you choose?: Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, and Neil Degrasse Tyson

What is one thing on your bucket list that you want to do before you die?: Go to see a Major League Baseball game in every stadium