Cason Pratz serves as principal for a day at All Saints Catholic School in Davenport April 12.
By Judith Costello
For The Catholic Messenger
Sporting a black shirt and tie, the young man walked down the hallways with a sense of purpose. He entered every classroom at All Saints Catholic School in Davenport. Cason Pratz, 12, used all 200 of his reward “bucks” (given for good behavior throughout the year), to win the privilege of being Principal for the Day. He outbid another student in an auction held in December. On April 12 he had his chance to make a difference.
“I’m a man of the people,” Carson said of his decision to give all students and staff a “No Uniform” day. Students were allowed to wear hats and crocs and hoodies. Middle schoolers could use cellphones during study hall. He brought donuts for staff members. All classes had 10 minutes of extra recess. “Everywhere I went kids and teachers were smiling and saying thank you.”
But his time as principal also revealed that the position takes a lot of work, as he attempted to fill the shoes of Principal Mindy Altman. “I see how exhausting it is. It made me sleep really good that night,” he says.
“Cason has always shown leadership at our school but I got to see him work with younger students and speak in classrooms. He seemed to know exactly what to say. He is one of the kindest kids I’ve ever met,” says Altman.
During his special day, Cason answered questions and passed out materials for a new program at the school. He participated in a Zoom meeting with other principals.
He signed off on a decision about window designs and sat in on a teacher evaluation. “It made me realize how much work Ms. Altman does every day. It seemed like she could really use some help, so I was glad to be involved. Principals really need Starbucks every day for sure!” He says one of the perks of the day was having an “executive lunch” with eight of his friends. “We had pizza and then I went out and played football with them even though I was in dress clothes.”
The young man smiles. “I like helping people and making an impact. So, I might become a principal someday. I also have thought about going into politics,” Carson says.
“So remember this name! Cason Pratz,” Altman says.
