As the new activities director, Katie Odell is as excited as ever to be back in school, and not as a math teacher. Odell took over Jessica Pritzker‘s position as  Director of Activities. The thing she is most excited about already happened. The building has been empty for months, and she could not wait for the first day of school to arrive. She’s thrilled to be jumping into a new position that comes with new opportunities after teaching math for a few years.

As her first year as activities director, she’s not trying to make any drastic changes. She will, however, utilize social media more often than last year. Twitter and Instagram will be big this year for events such as homecoming.

“People like seeing themselves,” she says. And it’s true.

Odell isn’t very much in the spotlight as she is “behind the scenes.” Making sure everything is running smoothly without a problem is what she said she has to focus on. Spirit Week, Names assembly, the variety show, and other major activities of the year are going to be planned, organized, and run by her with a helpful hand from student government.

Back in the day, Odell never anticipated being the activities director for any school.

“Honestly when I graduated I thought I was going to be a dean.” But her career took an unexpected twist when she instead decided to accept the position of  activities director.

Along with running the events that our school has to offer, she kick boxes and is a major foodie that loves trying new restaurants and different cuisines.

Kelly Adamovic, her new assistant, says she has already jumped into her new role.

“I think it is great! She is going to do an awesome job for Niles West,” Adamovic said.

To keep up with the latest activities, follow @niweactivities on Instagram and Twitter.