Bio - Kevin D. Heacock

Just a little about me...first and foremost welcome to GCHS!!! I grew up in Northeastern Ohio in a suburb of Akron called Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. My family valued EDUCATION with both of my parents being educators. My father was a math teacher and coach while my mother was a typing teacher/title one reading specialist. Yes...I had both of them for teachers in 9th grade!!! I did survive that junior high experience believe it or not. Yes, I said junior high not middle school...showing my age aren't I :-) !!! Also, I have two older brothers and sisters. While growing up with them at the same time my mother was accused of running a nursing home in our house by our family physician. Reason being, my parents continually took in other family members as they were aging or having health issues...my grandparents, aunts and uncles all lived with us at one time or other. From this I learned...the true meaning of FAMILY by my parents living examples.

After graduating from Cuyahoga Falls High School I went off to The Ohio State University. I earned a degree in Animal Science specializing in Equine Nutrition and Reproduction. Upon graduation I worked at Hill Farm in Hilliard, Ohio for Charlie Hill. Hill Farm was one of Ohio's top Standardbred nursery's at the time. After that experience I decided to return to The University of Akron and pursue a masters degree in Secondary Science Education. Then it was off to my education career starting at Newark High School, Westerville North High School, Brookpark Middle School and to my current position at Grove City High School. During all my experiences as an educator I was and currently am married to Kris Heacock...my college sweetheart. Kris has taught at Richard Avenue and currently teach's at Buckeye Woods Elementary.

We have had three children who have all gone to SWCS....Buckeye Woods, Park Street Intermediate, Jackson MS and GCHS. My oldest, Kayla, graduated from GCHS in 2014. In May of 2019 she graduated from The Ohio State University with her undergraduate degree in Math. In 2020 she graduated from Ohio University with her masters degree in Math. Now she is working on her PhD in Math at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. While at GCHS she was in the GCHS band for four years, GCHS swim team 4 year letter winner and senior captain, Key Club member and National Honor Society Secretary as well as earning the recognition as Salutatorian of the class of 2014. Kayla was a member of The Ohio State Pep Band and made the Deans List every semester while attending OSU on an academic scholarship. During her studies at OSU she participated in the Disney College Program working at the Polynesian which is a Magic Kingdom Resort in Florida. She also had the opportunity to be a Math TA while attending OSU.

My middle child, Jacob, graduated from GCHS in 2017. Jacob played the trombone and was a four year member of the GCHS marching band. He served as vice-president for the marching band and as assistant section leader his senior year. He had a great experience with the GCHS band marching throughtout his fours years having the oportunity to participate in the Rose Parade during his senior year traveling to California!!! Jacob participated in symphonic band all four years at GCHS. He was a four year member of the symphonic orchestra and a two year member of the GCHS Jazz Band. During his sophomore year he played Inspector Javert in the musical LeMis. During his junior year he played Raoul in the musical The Phantom of the Opera. Jacob participated in the GCHS show choir his junior year...Touch of Class. Also during his junior year at GCHS Jacob was accepted into the GCHS National Honor Society and served as secretary of NHS during his senior year. He decided to further his studies at The Ohio State University School of Music majoring in Vocal Performance. He was fortunate enough to get an academic scholarship and talent scholarship to The Ohio State University. His academic and musical opportunities are paying off while he gets to follow his passions. At OSU he was a member of The OSU Glee Club, earned the role of the Barron in the Roger and Hammerstein's Musical Candide and was cast as Figaro in the Opera...The Marriage of Figaro. Jacob has studied under Dr. McCoy's vocal studio. Jacob graduated from OSU in 2021 and had the oportunity to sing the Star Spangled Banner at graduation in the Horse Shoe!! He is purseing his master degree in Baltimore, MD at the Peabody Institute at John Hopkins University.

My youngest daughter, Kelsey, graduated from GCHS in 2019. Kelsey enjoyed her experience as assistant field commander of the GCHS marching band during her sophomore year. During her junior and senior year she served as GHCS Marching Bands head field commander. She also played flute in GCHS symphonic band for three years. She has enjoyed participating in the GCHS musicals all four years at GCHS. During her freshmen year she was in the chorus of The Phantom of the Opera. During her sophomore year she enjoyed performing in the chorus of Cinderella. As a junior Kelsey played the role of Morticia in the GCHS musical Adams Family. As a senior she had the role of Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie. Kelsey was a three year member of show choir......Touch of Class. After graduation from GCHS she has now moved onto Ohio Northern University to study Mechanical Engineering while minoring in music. Yes my kids get 100% of their musical ability from me....which is 0%!!! Music is definitely something that I have learned to appreciate over the years...it has definitely been a blessing to our family. The music programs here at GCHS are also a blessing to the community of Grove City....we are fortunate here at GCHS to have one of the best musical programs not only in the State of Ohio, but in the Nation!!!

Well that's probably more than enough about me and my family. Hopefully, that will help you understand a little better about some of my life experiences and how that has put me in the position I am here today at GCHS as your Physical Science Teacher.

Lastly, I believe that it is important for everyone to establish priorities in life in order to be successful. We are going to do that this year in our Physical Science classroom!! For me it has been and will always be my FAMILY...Family comes first!! Secondly, EDUCATION, has always been the next biggest priority in my life. After that my priorities have changed from time to time throughout my life. The Life Lesson learned from this is that everyone needs to establish priorities in order to be successful in whatever en devour that one may take on....if you keep perspective and establish priorities that will help you keep a clear picture on what is most important to you!!! For me it has been FAMILY first and Education second with all other things falling into place after those priorities. Hopefully this years freshman students will be able to establish their own priorities in their own lives that will enable them to reach whatever goals/vision that they have for themselves. We want to help you get there...where ever there is:-) Have a great year and get involved here at GCHS!!

GO DAWGS!!

Kevin D. Heacock

Physical Science Teacher - GCHS

Kevin.Heacock@swcsd.us