Kindergartener Becomes Principal For A Day

Huntington kindergartener Kaiden Maldonado serves as principal of Flower Hill Primary School for a day. Inset, Kaiden stands with Flower Hill Principal Marlon Small in the school’s main office.

Kaiden Maldonado is only in kindergarten, but the youngster put his leadership qualities on display when he recently served as principal for the day at Flower Hill Primary School in Huntington.

Kaiden, 5, worked with Flower Hill Principal Marlon Small, and the main office staff, carrying out various responsibilities with poise and confidence. As he settled in behind the principal’s desk, it seemed as if he was really meant to be in the chair.

The youngster’s parents won a PTA fundraising raffle, providing him with an opportunity to learn all about a principal’s daily activities. Kaiden recited the Pledge of Allegiance over the building’s public address system, announced the names of Star Student Award recipients, distributed flyers during the school’s winter songfest, and toured around the building, including classrooms, the cafeteria and gym.

While Kaiden was only given a taste of some of the public duties a principal must carry out, the kindergartener saw enough to know that Small and his colleagues across the district have plenty to keep them busy each day.

“It was fun to work with Kaiden throughout the day,” Small said. “He is a bright, inquisitive and articulate young man who already possesses many leadership qualities. This was a great learning experience for him.”