Gullett Elementary youth takes school's helm

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Fifth-grader Ellie Wietecha may be fairly new to the Gullett Elementary School family as a first-year student, but she’s already at the top of the class, so to speak.

The 10-year-old served Nov. 8 as “Principal for the Day.”

“It was exciting,” Ellie said of being “Principal for the Day.” “I got to walk around and see the offices. I got to file papers and I learned something new. It’s not so organized; you have to know where the papers go.”

As one of her first acts as principal, Ellie appointed her brother, Joey, as “assistant principal,” although the title did not get him out of class except for a short time in the afternoon.

Ellie also got to make the morning announcements, help select the lunch menu for the month of December, oversaw a special picnic luncheon for honors students, make rounds to classrooms and assist in the office.

Gullett Principal Kathy Hayes said Ellie won the role of principal after her parents bid on the “Principal for the Day” auction item during the school’s recent golf-tournament fundraiser.

Ellie, she said, had stepped up to the challenge and was performing tremendously.

“I wish I could give her everything,” Hayes said, laughing. “She’s been a big help already.”

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

About Ellie Wietecha
Age: 10
Favorite food: Ramen noodles
Favorite animal: Dog
Favorite color: Blue or green
Favorite subject: Reading
Favorite book: “Dork Diaries” series
Future career: Veterinarian or lawyer