Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (Jun 14/00) - It was an offer just too good to refuse.

That's what Arviat Qitiqliq secondary school Grade 9 student Lenny Thompson thought when he heard about the principal for a day program at his school.

Thompson, 13, won the contest, and on June 5, the school was his to command.

"I enjoyed most of the day bossing around students and giving them detention," said Thompson with a laugh.

"I didn't play any favourites. I gave the principal detention for leaving his classroom without a hall pass."

Principal Rob Davies said school staff came up with the idea to try and curb early-morning tardiness.

Every student who showed up for class on time had their name entered in the principal-for-a-day draw.

The more they showed up on time, the more chances they had to win.

"The project did help to some extent," said Davies.

"We did have some students, who usually show up late, making the effort to get here a little earlier for the opportunity to run the school for a day."

Thompson said being a school principal is something he could see himself doing some day.

He said he enjoys math and gym class, and wasn't about to let the social aspects of the principal's job pass him by.

"At about 10:15 that morning I had the local DEA chair, Bob Leonard, and the elementary principal, Marvin McKay, over for hot chocolate.

"That was fun. Some of the students even staged a mock fight and I had to take care of that too."

Davies said he was impressed by how seriously Thompson took his principal's responsibilities for the day.

He said all things being considered, Thompson did a great job.

"Let me put it this way, I was just glad I still had a job the next day," said Davies.

"I thought he handled the minor discipline issues very effectively.

"The classes played little pranks to test him and he handled it all very well.

"It was a spirited day and one I think we'll try again in the future."