Fourth-grader assumes BRE principal post

BRADEN RIVER — Ten-year-old Paris Pratt wants to be a pilot when he grows up.

And on Jan. 11, the Braden River Elementary School fourth-grader got a glimpse at what it takes to be a leader and how to take control of any situation that may arise.

However, Pratt didn’t learn these particular lessons inside of a cockpit. Instead, he learned what it means to be a leader while serving as the school’s Principal for a Day.

Pratt was given the opportunity after his father, Tyler, won it for him during an auction at the school’s Fall Ball.

“My brother did it in fourth grade, and he had lots of fun with it, so my dad wanted me to do it too,” Pratt said. “I want to be principal again next year because I thought it was fun this year.”

Pratt began the day by greeting students outside before the bell rang. Once school was in session, Pratt and Principal Hayley Rio discussed the day’s events on the morning news before visiting each of the classrooms and taking care of business in the office.

“She didn’t let me put my feet on the desk, but I got to sit in the comfy chair,” Pratt said with a smile.
After visiting with students, Pratt led prospective parents on a tour of the school.

“The hardest part was walking around and touring with people,” Pratt said. “My feet were killing me a little bit from walking around a lot.”

Pratt also enjoyed handing out BRE bucks to his friends if they were good and playing on the playground.
“All my friends kept saying, ‘Look it’s Principal Paris,’” Pratt said. “I got to go on the playground with the fourth-graders, and I (couldn’t) get in trouble.”

But according to Pratt, the best part of being the Principal for a Day wasn’t simply being in control of the school.

“We got to order pizza, and I got to bring three friends,” Pratt said. “It was better than just lunch.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].