Beacon Staff

Ben Erickson

Mr. Erickson is a second-career teacher starting his 12th year at South Elgin High School.  After earning a degree in Media Studies and Communications from Judson College (B.A.) and working in local television and radio, he shifted his career focus and pursued one of his other passions to operate an indoor sports training business for over a decade.  Mr. Erickson decided to return to school and earned his secondary teaching license in English and Social Studies in 2009.  Since that time, he's returned to his initial college degree "roots" and has been a fulltime Beacon Academy teacher since 2010.  In 2018, Mr. Erickson earned his Master of Education - Technology  (M.A.) degree from Concordia University - Chicago.

Tom Bozikis

Tom Bozikis is a magician and educator who graduated from Northern Illinois University with a teaching license. After college, he faced challenges finding a teaching job, so he decided to combine his love for magic with his teaching skills. This decision led to an incredible 35-year career where he became an award-winning magician and created motivational and corporate training programs for organizations across North America.

Tom wanted to cut back on traveling, so he started working with local police departments to deliver engaging assemblies for all-aged students about staying safe and avoiding drugs and alcohol. After 9/11, he transitioned back to teaching in schools, and he has been a teacher for 15 years.

Even now, Tom continues to perform magic on the side, and he often incorporates magic tricks into his lessons, making learning a truly unique experience.

Sergiusz Zgrzebski

Sergiusz “Sergio” Zgrzebski earned an Associate’s degree in Journalism in 2002, and Bachelor of Arts in Television Production in 2006 from Columbia College Chicago. As a Reporter and Anchor at WPVN Polvision TV, Mr Zgrzebski covered stories from local events to national elections, spanning the administrations of the last four U.S. Presidents. Known for his focus on human-interest stories and consumer advocacy, Sergio received the 2007 Diogenes Award for Excellence in Media from the Better Business Bureau.

Mr. Zgrzebski currently teaches Broadcasting and serves as an international correspondent for Radio ESKA - radio network in Poland.

He is married to Agata and is a proud father of two boys, Xavier and Felix. In his free time, Sergio enjoys camping with his family, performing with his reggae band, and taking long sunset motorcycle rides.

Johnny Chacón

Johnny Chacon is the Assistant Principal of Innovation at South Elgin High School where he oversees Beacon, World Languages, Social Studies, and Business.  He brings over a decade of experience teaching and leading in Chicago, Minneapolis, and now Elgin. Most of his career has been spent teaching high school English in public, charter, and alternative school settings. His leadership experience includes serving as a lead teacher, department chair, School Improvement Planning chair, Student Support Team chair, and Resident Administrator. Through all of these roles, one lesson has remained constant: meaningful academic, social-emotional, and professional growth can only happen in a safe environment grounded in trust and respect. That belief is already evident at South Elgin, and he is proud to be part of a team that lives it every day.

Outside of school, Johnny enjoys reading, exploring nature, playing the drums, and catching live music. He is also lucky to be married to his best friend, Vanessa, who teaches 5th grade at Heritage Elementary right here in U-46! He is proud to work in a district committed to equity, inclusivity, and supporting all students.

Let’s go, Storm!