After making her first two executive decisions for the day - no homework and five minutes more for recess - St. Mary School fourth-grader Madeline Palkovitz was faced with another decision.
As winner of the Principal for a Day raffle, she had to help decide whether the students should go out for recess despite cold temperatures and some icy spots on the playground.
For the second year in a row, a raffle to win the job of Principal for a Day was held during Catholic Schools Week.
A fund-raiser for the Student Council, students purchased tickets for 25 cents, with proceeds going to relief efforts for residents of Mandeville, Jamaica, who were hit hard by the fall hurricanes.
Catholic Schools Week was Jan. 28 to Feb. 4.
Madeline, 9, who lives on Blue Heron Lane in Hagerstown, said she purchased five tickets, but knew of someone in her class who purchased 56 tickets.
"I was surprised," Madeline said when she learned she was the winner.
As honorary principal, Madeline had the opportunity to make the morning and afternoon announcements, visit classrooms and greet visitors.
Special activities were planned for each day of the week, including a pep rally for the basketball team, a book fair and open house, volunteer reception, dignitaries luncheon, Career Day speakers, classroom visitation, Student Appreciation Day and a talent show.
