Students of Niles West usually walk down the dark hallways by the dean’s office for a number of reasons, but most likely for the attendance office. Whether a student is locked out from missing nine periods or even one, they can walk into the attendance office and be sure to see Bob Vujovich sitting at his desk, accompanied by the “click” his computer mouse makes.

Vujovich, father of the senior triplets, has been head of the attendance office since 1998. Before West, Vujovich worked at the Chicago Board of Trade but decided to leave for a new start. A friend, who was the superintendent during that time, told him about the job opportunity. Soon, Vujovich began to call the home of the Wolves his second home.

“I didn’t really know him well but he was a nice and understanding guy. And people easily loved him because of that quality,” said junior Cyril Onate.

Working at West for 15 years, Vujovich became the face of the attendance office. All problems dealing with lock outs or tardies were handled after talking with him. For Vujovich, it wasn’t only about clearing and keeping track of the attendance of Niles West students. He loves talking and meeting students each year. Even though he doesn’t know every single student, there’s always a handful of kids who make it a regular habit to go down to the attendance office.

“There’s always five percent of people always here, but those [students] are my guys,” Vujovich said laughing.

Vujovich got the chance to work at West in an office, but he was more active throughout the school. He made close relationships with teachers and students, and will miss them terribly as he leaves at the end of the school year.

Niles West was a time of joy and happiness for Vujovich, but there were rough times that are unforgettable. In 1999, a former student, who was very close with him, was involved with a gang shooting. Vujovich received the news the morning after at work and was in shock. He still visits this student in prison today.

“We became pretty close friends. He was a smart kid,” said Vujovich.

Right when school ends, Vujovich will say goodbye to Niles West as he walks back to his first love, his job at the Chicago Board of Trade.

“I’m going back to what I started at 1981,” said Vujovich.