Last year,  District 219’s Board of Education decided to give former dean Joaquin Stephenson the position of this year’s Physical Welfare Director. Many students who previously had Stephenson as their dean have been wondering who to consult if they reach a conflict. New dean Antwan Babakhani is the man for you to see. The NWN sat down with Babakhani to learn more about him and help introduce him to Niles West.

NWN: What is something you would like all students and staff to know about you?

Babakhani: I’m eager to be in an environment I can contribute to. I would want all my colleagues and students to know I am approachable and able to help in any way.

NWN: What do you think of Niles West so far?

Babakhani: I think Niles West is a school on the cutting edge and the resources are second to none. It’s the best. The atmosphere is really good here. It’s a Camelot type of place; a fantastic place. I love it.

NWN: What do you like to do in your free time?

Babakhani: I like to spend time with my son, Max, and my wife, Carla. I like working out. I train for triathlons, I enjoy reading, [and] I love watching football with my family.

NWN: What is one song that you love to jam out to?

Babakhani: “The Freshman” by The Verve Pipe.

NWN: What did you do this summer?

Babakhani: Half my summer was interviewing and applying for this position. I did my first half ironman, spent a lot of time with my family, and began my journey at Niles West.

NWN: Which TV star or character do you think you can relate to the most and why?

Babakhani: Shrek, because if you look at my facial features closely, I look similar to him. I’d like to think I look like Brad Pitt.

NWN: What is your goal for this year?

Babakhani: My goal is to have a successful learning experience at West. I think that I have the two best mentors in Mr. Rigby and Ms. Gomez. They are going to help with my transition. As for a personal goal, it is my final year for my graduate studies so I would like to get my doctorate this year.

NWN: What lessons do you hope to teach to the students of Niles West?

Babakhani: The high school journey is a unique experience and basically take every moment you have and think about the good times and the bad times. Use [them] to become a better person. Remember [them] all and reflect on your life to become a better person.

NWN: What is something you cannot live without?

Babakhani: The company of family and friends. I’m a big time social monster and the feeling that I can work with my awesome colleagues, and go home to my wife and kids, and then hang out with my friends on weekends is my drive. Nothing beats that.

NWN: If you won $20,000,000 in the lottery, what would you do with the money?

Babakhani: I would pay off all my family debts first. Then I would buy a nice home, put away some money in my savings, and use $15,000,000 to give to my family and friends, and by family and friends, I mean feed Mr. Rigby for the next 30 years.