'Principal' opts for helping others, fun
<p>Holy Family Catholic school students enjoyed a carnival and "Survivor"-type games Friday when fourth grade student Eric Zwyer, right, acted as principal for the day. From left: Clay Larson, Nicole Kraut and Eric.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - When Eric Zwyer ruled the school, he made sure there was fun, games and popcorn for all. He also asked students to think of people in need.
The fourth-grader played principal Friday at Holy Family Catholic School in Coeur d'Alene, and led his schoolmates through a day laden with playful activities.
His only request of the students was that they bring non-perishable food items to donate to the food bank at St. Pius X Church.
"I did this because I thought it would be a good choice for a principal to make," Eric said.
Eric's parents bought him the chance to "rule the school," at Holy Family's fundraiser auction.
The temporary principal directed the day's events with an unusually colorful head of hair, some red and blue on each side. "Crazy hair" and free dress (no uniforms) was another one of Eric's administrative decisions.
Earlier in the day, students tested their skills at carnival games - a beanbag toss, football throw and a dinosaur dig, with toy creatures buried in a sandbox inside a tent.
The afternoon saw a kinder, gentler "Survivor"-style game take place on the playground and field.
"We don't vote people off. They get points," Eric said.
Eric's favorite part of his day running the school was watching the kids have fun as they tried the games.
He didn't leave his younger brother, Owen, out of the picture.
Eric named the first-grader vice principal for the day, and let his sibling handle the morning announcements.
Regular principal Karen Durgin commended Eric on his planning.
"He got a lot into one day," Durgin said. "I'm very impressed by the way he focused the day on giving to a community service project."