THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 25, 1995 TAG: 9501240081
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
Come spring, school administrator Wylie French is going to have the chance to do something few people dare.
He's going to get his boss arrested!
Yep, he's going to have School Superintendent Sidney Faucette thrown in jail. All for a good cause, though.
French coordinates the annual Cardiac Arrest for the school system. Part of the fun is having friends and co-workers ``arrested'' and put behind bars until they raise enough contributions to the American Heart Association to buy their freedom. ``He's real good about it, and it's for a good cause,'' French, who's been a teacher, coach, principal and administrator, says of the superintendent.
P.S. If the jail thing ever backfires, French has other career talents to fall back on. An avid skier, he works weekends in a ski shop - for free - to get credits and discounts. And, if he ever retires, he's got a yen to be an assistant sports director at ``a good college or university somewhere.''
Full name: James Wylie French.
Hometown: Norfolk.
What brought you to the Beach? I wanted to live where I worked.
Birthdate: Nov. 5.
Occupation: Director, Office of School Leadership, Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
Nickname: ``J.W.''
Marital status: Hoping.
Children: One stepdaughter, Heather.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Being able to ski all day with friends. Good snow and good people make a great day.
Last smart thing you did: Decided not to retire from the school system.
Last dumb thing you did: Got involved with the ABA and the Virginia Squires.
Favorite meal: Homemade spaghetti and meatballs with a good bottle of wine.
Favorite movies: ``Love Story'' and ``Sleepless in Seattle.''
Favorite song: ``I Will Always Love You'' and ``When I Dream I Dream of You.''
Last book read: ``Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus,'' ``Storming Heaven,'' ``Tangle Box'' and ``Without Remorse.''
Hobbies: Reading, working with Cardiac Arrest.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Learn to say NO more often so I wouldn't get taken advantage of.
Your favorite night on the town: Taking Debbie, Amy, Ben, Joy and Joey to Lynnhaven Fish House for dinner and then going to a good movie.
Secret vice: New cars - I would get a new one every year if I could.
Favorite restaurant: Lynnhaven Fish House, Five 01 City Grill, The Steak House at Keystone Lodge, Colo.
Favorite TV shows: ``L.A. Law,'' ACC football and basketball (University of Virginia).
Favorite sport: Skiing, golf, jogging.
Last vacation: Skiing, Keystone, Colo.
Worst job: None really - I have always liked my jobs or I would not have taken them.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Being principal of four of the best high schools in Virginia Beach and opening Salem and Green Run High; serving for eight years on the Tidewater Community College Board, one year as chairman; and being named the 1994-95 Administrator of the Year, city schools.
What would you like on your epitaph? Tough Times Don't Last, Tough People Do! He was a Survivor. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DAVIB B. HOLLINGSWORTH
by CNB