A new school year brings new teachers, new routines and, at Evergreen Park Community High School, four new members of the staff who are ready to become part of the Mustang community.
The four new full-time staff members bring a mix of experience and, in some cases, a personal connection to education and Evergreen Park.
Mike Glennon is stepping into the role of director of public relations while continuing as head coach of the Mustangs’ varsity boys basketball team. He brings five years of teaching experience to the position and holds a marketing degree from Saint Louis University.
When he is not working at school or on the basketball court, Glennon runs the Mike Glennon Basketball program, trains players and writes music.
Sydney Winters is beginning her first year as a school psychologist at EPCHS. Her path to the position includes work as a peer mentor and college financial aid specialist.
Winters earned an M.A./Ed.S. in school psychology from Governors State University and a bachelor’s degree in clinical/community psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
She and her husband, Jay Winters, who works as a hearing behavioral specialist at a charter school, enjoy traveling, art and yoga.
One of the newest staff members may already feel a little at home in the building.
William “Bill” Merchantz is returning to EPCHS as an industrial technology teacher, more than two decades after graduating from the school as a member of the Class of 2003.
Merchantz brings 20 years of teaching experience to the classroom. He earned a bachelor’s degree in technology education and a master’s degree in STEM education from Illinois State University.
Outside of school, Merchantz stays busy with his family and his love of motorsports. He also works as a corner worker for the Sports Car Club of America and has attended every Indianapolis 500 since 2006.
And if a conversation about “Back to the Future” comes up in the hallway, Merchantz is likely to have something to say. He counts the movies among his favorites.
Olando White joins the school as a paraprofessional and TMS supervisor after four years of teaching experience. He earned an associate degree from Malcolm X College.
White will also spend time on the sidelines and courts as a coach for the EPCHS football and boys basketball programs. His interests outside of school include sports and music, and he especially enjoys singing.
With four new staff members joining the school in different roles, EPCHS is starting the 2026-27 school year with plenty of new energy and experience.