‘Principal for a Day’ impressed with students, what they accomplish
Attorney Michael Paton is surrounded by students as he serves as “Principal for a Day” at Holy Cross Central School in Indianapolis. (Submitted photo)
Special to The Criterion
By shaping spirits, minds and futures, the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies create a secure, constructive, faith-filled learning environment, instill self-confidence, nurture critical thinking skills, encourage taking responsibility for one’s actions and prepare students for a successful adult life.
The Mother Theodore Catholic Academies, which include Central Catholic, Holy Angels, Holy Cross Central, and St. Philip Neri schools and Providence Preschool are anchors to the center-city Indianapolis neighborhoods which they serve.
Michael G. Paton, a partner with Barnes & Thornburg law firm in Indianapolis, became involved with supporting the academies’ students through his interest in the Educational CHOICE Charitable Trust.
After Paton learned more about the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies, he suggested launching a two-hour “Principal for a Day” program to bring awareness of the schools and engage leadership contributions.
Paton recently experienced being principal for a day at Holy Cross Central School. He had breakfast with the students, made the morning announcements, visited classrooms and was given a tour of the school by two seventh-graders.
“I had two major takeaways from being principal for a day. I was tremendously impressed with the children,” he said. “They were respectful, polite and well-organized. I saw older children helping younger ones without prompting. The students had such a great level of maturity for their ages.
“I also saw great technology and financial needs. The staff and students make do with so little,” he continued. “We need to bring more light to this great need, but also appreciate the good works that are being accomplished with so little.”
Paton’s awareness of the needs at the academies and of its students has increased tremendously. He also has a better understanding of the schools’ strengths and everyday challenges.
Paton’s contagious enthusiasm for the academies and its school children will inspire others to shed light on the needs and the accomplishments of the students and teachers who work so diligently to succeed. He has since accepted the role of development committee chair for the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies.
(If you would like to make a gift for a student scholarship through Educational CHOICE Charitable Trust or make a direct contribution to the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies, please contact Rosemary O’Brien at 800-382-9836, ext. 1568 or 317-236-1568. You can also e-mail her at robrien@archindy.org. To donate now or learn more, please visit our website at www.archindy.org/mtca.) †
