A conversation with Sherry DeMoss

By Victoria Wang
Gargoyle staff reporter
Posted Wednesday, March 8, 2006, The OG, features

[Note: This article was originally published in the May 27, 2005, issue of the Gargoyle. We're republishing it on the occasion of Sherry DeMoss' impending departure from Uni High.]

Not all Uni students are aware of the staff who help run the school. Sherry DeMoss came to Uni in November to work as assistant to Director/Principal Kassie Patton. Aside from her work at Uni, DeMoss has plenty of interests to keep her busy, including graphic design, horseback riding, antiquing, and watching NASCAR. With her son, Kale, and daughter, Jill, grown, DeMoss has taken up riding her Harley-Davidson again. DeMoss grew up in Champaign and attended Central High School. She has been working on campus for 21 years in various departments, including three years at the Illini Union before coming to Uni.

What drew you to Uni High?
I came from the Illini Union. I was over at Student Programs and Activities. I wasn't even looking for a job when a friend of mine said, “Hey, there's a job I've heard of.” And she just said, “It sounds like you, something you'd really be happy doing.” I really enjoy doing graphics. Like for the C-SPAN visit [on April 14], I developed the programs and invitations. That's one of the things that drew me to the job — being able to work on a one-to-one basis with the director on projects.

What got you started on motorcycling?
I had ridden on and off for 26 years. But my first motorcycle was a Yamaha. And then my children came, and so I had to put that to the back. But since I became single again and my kids are grown, I decided it was time for me to have my fun, you know. So I bought this Harley-Davidson. It's the 2003 Harley-Davidson 100th-anniversary edition.

So motorcycling is something fun to do. Does it hold any other meaning?
I just enjoy being out in the open. I love that part. But it's my mental therapy, it's my psychiatrist's couch. You know if things are on my mind or whatever, I'll get on my bike and I'll ride and just think about things and clear my head. And I always come back and feel better about a lot of things. I just enjoy it. I just really enjoy it.

So I understand that you're going to form some sort of club for motorcycling?
Well, actually, what I would like to do is form a charter, and I don't believe there's one in existence, but when I get time, I would like to. There are several cycle clubs in town. There are male-only clubs, but I don't believe there are many for ladies only. I would really like to charter a motorcycle club that's specific to the ladies. It's a thought; it's something that's in here right now. It'll come out eventually, but at this point I've got so much going on being Ms. Patton's assistant.

Do you think you'd be interested in bringing your Harley to school at some point?
Yes, I will. It will be very dependent on the weather, because my bike will not see rain. I brought it in one day, and some of the girls saw me pull up on it.

So far, what is your impression of Uni?
It's very different from the public schools that my children attended [Heritage High School] or that I attended. It's a unique environment. Not locking lockers … [She gives a silent expression of incredulity.] I think it's the environment that you kids need to be at your best.

Q: How are you fitting into this new role?
Now that I'm on board, I'm trying to take on the role that Ms. Patton needs — I make her travel arrangements, help maintain her day, take some things off her plate to lighten her load, make her appointments. That's something that students probably don't realize. If you come to me, I can pretty much tell you where she is. If you really need to see her, I can make an appointment. A lot of the time, I can probably help solve your inquiries. But I don't think anybody really knows that.