Benjamin Behnke, a fifth grader at St. Martin Lutheran School in Clintonville, received a unique birthday present from his parents.
For his birthday, his parents, Scott and Tammy, purchased the opportunity for him to be principal for a day at the school.
Jerry Jiter, principal of St. Martin Lutheran School, said the opportunity to be principal for a day was part of the Fall Fling fundraiser held by the congregation.
“They were bidding on the idea somebody would come in and help the principal. One of the students would help the principal for the day to do the duties that a principal does. Benjamin’s parents were the highest bidder for this particular thing,” Jiter said.
Jiter added that this was the first time the school has given a student the opportunity to be principal for a day.
Behnke said he told his parents he wanted to be principal for a day.
“It sounded very awesome,” Behnke said. “Helping the principal of St. Martin sounded really cool so I decided to do it.”
He admitted he was excited when his parents told him he would be principal for a day.
“I was freaking out,” Behnke said.
Behnke’s opportunity came on Wednesday, Nov. 19, the day of his birthday. To make the day more unique, it was also Jiter’s birthday that day. Behnke also dressed for the part that day, wearing a long sleeve shirt and a tie.
Some of the duties included assisting Jiter with parking lot duty, welcoming students, asking teachers if there were any announcements, recognizing November Baptismal birthdays, assisting with recess duty for the lower grades, and having lunch with Jiter in the principal’s office.
When visiting with Jiter and Behnke halfway through the day Behnke was principal, Jiter said Behnke was doing “excellent work.”
Behnke also said he was enjoying his time as principal.
“I’m enjoying it very much,” Behnke said. “It’s so fun actually being principal. It’s awesome.”