Value Hard Work and Persistence Success is often the result of consistent effort over time, not instant results 1 2 3 { LIFE LESSONS} Give Back Helping others strengthens communities and brings meaning and fulfillment to life Embrace Failure as Growth Mistakes and setbacks are opportunities to learn and improve, not signs of defeat 18 | FORWARD JANESVILLE I actually left education after seven years and went into business for myself. I worked as an independent decorating rep for Home Interiors and Gifts for nearly a decade, where I became a manager and led a team. I went back into education later. It was then that I experienced the incredible role of a teacher. I fell in love with teaching and have never left. This year marks my 30th year in education. I believe a teacher has the best and most rewarding job. We get to work with kids and inspire them to think holistically about things and work to achieve their best and make this world a better place. As a Family and Consumer Science teacher, I taught culinary courses where we hosted Top Chef and Restaurant War competitions. One of the highlights was making and selling 200 cinnamon rolls every Friday at Bradford High School. This experience, combined with my love for baking, inspired me to launch my own home cottage business. I knew I had a great product that many people don’t have the time or patience to make. I also knew I could offer a variety of flavors to suit any palate, from classic cinnamon rolls to unique ones like lemon blueberry and caramel macchiato. Naming the business took some time, but my love for oldies music and our proximity to the river made Rollin’ on the River the perfect fit. I also have plans to be rollin’ on the river in a food truck. Something people might not expect about being a principal is how much of my role involves balancing being both an instructional leader and a community builder. While many assume my job is mostly about managing discipline or administrative tasks, a big part of what I do is fostering relationships—whether it's supporting teachers with professional development, connecting with students to ensure their academic and emotional wellbeing, or engaging with parents and community members to build a strong, supportive school culture. I wear many hats, and the human connection aspect is just as important as running the day-to-day operations. HOW DID I GET HERE? success • challenges • life lessons • education • career • family • inspirations I have the incredible opportunity to assist students at Rock University High School (RUHS) with shaping their futures. Our students work toward their associate degree while completing high school, and I love being part of that process, helping them design an educational path that sets them up for a successful future. The most rewarding part is working with first-generation students. For many of them, their parents didn’t graduate from high school or attend college. The impact a college degree will have on their lives—and the generational change it will bring—will be nothing short of transformative. It’s more than just an education; it’s building generational wealth and opportunity. • • • There’s quite a bit of crossover between being a school principal and running Rollin’ on the River. Both roles require strong leadership, organization, and the ability to problem-solve on the spot. As a principal, I focus on building relationships, managing a team, and creating a positive environment for both students and staff—skills that are essential when running a business. In the bakery, I apply those same skills to customer service, ensuring the quality of my product, and managing operations. Just like in education, where I try to meet the needs of each student, in my bakery, I’m customizing flavors and creating an experience that fits what my customers want. Whether it’s in the classroom or in the kitchen, both roles require flexibility, creativity, and a deep commitment to the people I serve. PATTY HERNANDEZ PRINCIPAL, ROCK UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JANESVILLE ENTREPRENEUR, ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER { EDUCATION } 2017 - 2021 Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership & Administration Edgewood College 2003 - 2005 Master of Science, Educational Leadership & Curriculum Instruction Cardinal Stritch University 1994 - 1998 Bachelor of Education, Home Economics University of Wisconsin-Stout { WORK EXPERIENCE } 2024 - PRESENT Principal Rock University High School 2022 - 2024 Principal ARISE Virtual Academy 2018 - 2023 Principal TAGOS Leadership Academy 2024 - PRESENT Owner Rollin’ on the River
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