Aaron Roussey is the new Union High School principal
Other positions you have held in education: 10 years as a special education teacher and seven as an assistant principal, Union High School; coached basketball, baseball, and golf there
How about jobs outside education? I worked at an athletic footwear store, in construction and at a recycling plant while in college.
Education/degrees: I have a BA from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in special education from Aquinas College.
Hobbies/Interests/Little-known talent: I am a huge fan of all sports and a big (University of) Michigan fan. I enjoy spending my free time golfing and being active outdoors. I enjoy fly-fishing on the Manistee River and spending time in Northern Michigan in the summer.
What kind of kid were you at the age of students at this new school? I was heavily involved in sports as a three-sport athlete (basketball, football and baseball). I also volunteered for Special Olympics and coached multiple youth league programs for basketball and football.
The biggest lesson you have learned from students is… To not judge one another and take the time to truly understand people and their background. Each day is an opportunity to build relationships with our students and families.
If I could go back to school I would go to … ninth grade, because I would want to relive the four years spent building relationships and understanding the value of that time with your family, friends and teachers — all in the same setting. I would make sure to take a foreign language class each semester during my four years. I would also go back and thank those teachers who truly made a difference in my life and cared about the path I was taking.
If you walked into your new school building to theme music by a favorite artist or band, what would the song be? Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin'”
