Get to Know Principal Lorraine White

October is National Principals Month! To celebrate, we’re sharing short Q&As with each of our principals—giving you a glimpse into their leadership style, favorite parts of school life, and what drives their #PHMExcellence every day.

If you could swap places with a student for one day, what class or activity would you be most excited to participate in — and why?

If I could swap places with a student for one day, I would want to be in a Kindergarten class when they are learning about all the countries in Asia during our multicultural week. The students get passports, and then experience a flight simulation through videos. Teachers give virtual tours of the places they are learning about.

What’s your go-to morning routine (or must-have snack/coffee order) that helps you tackle the day?

I must have my homemade carmel macchiato decaf coffee and my book of prayers.

What were you like as a middle or high school student — and what’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

Very social and talkative, still am. A piece of advice I would give younger self would be to share the air sometimes and listen closely without the need to respond.

If your job as a principal had a theme song, what song would be your walk up song–the one playing when you walked into school each day?

Good Morning by Mandisa

What was your favorite school lunch or snack when you were a student? What is your favorite school lunch now as a principal?

Favorite school lunch was cheese pizza, Now I love teriyaki chicken and rice.

What’s one fun fact about you that most students or staff don’t know?

That I was born in Zimbabwe, and can speak Ndebele.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies outside of school that might surprise people?

I love dancing and Zumba is my favorite exercise.

What’s one thing on your bucket list you still hope to do one day?

Travel to Zimbabwe with my family.

What’s your favorite school tradition or event?

Multicultural Night and STEM Night, I love them equally.

If you could describe your school in one word, what would it be?

Exceptional