Upon hearing that their “favorite principal”, Doc Allen, would be leaving the school permanently students speculated who could possibly fill his shoes. Students learned upon returning to PHUHS that Christen Tonry would be the new principal. Previously the assistant principal for curriculum, Tonry has now been given the responsibility of being the educational leader of PHUHS while working on her doctorate of education at USF.
Tonry does not intend on making any huge changes to the school. Instead, she will focus on maintaining the educational superiority PHUHS is known for and encouraging pride.
“My vision is to create an educational atmosphere where students are excited about learning and faculty and staff feel supported and encouraged,” said Tonry, “I want to increase Hurricane pride—to be proud to say ‘I go to Palm Harbor University High School.’”
Some of the changes she has made so far include allowing seniors to paint their own parking spaces with the intention to amplify school spirit.
“I like that Ms. Tonry is more liberal in her policies, I like the changes,” senior Juno Lee said.
Not only is Tonry now responsible for the guarantee that every PHUHS student is learning, she is basically is in charge of the school’s budget and anything that is implemented at the school she must be liable for.
However, benefits are not the reason Tonry decided to take the challenging task of being principal. Instead, it is her appreciation for students.
“I’m here for the school—I wouldn’t be here if students weren’t here,” said Tonry, “Students are well-rounded; talented academically, athletically, and artistically. They’re excellent representatives of PHUHS—they’re proud of their school.”
Besides the students being her inspiration to advance in her career, she also simply cares about education itself. Her ambition pushes her to move forward in her career.
“I aspire to move up in education and had a deep connection to PHUHS,” said Tonry.
While having a new principal may be something students are not used to, it is not necessarily a negative thing. While Doc Allen will be missed for his solid administration and Christmas tree-related FCAT comments, Tonry is looking forward to uphold the standards created by student, parent, and staff expectations.
“I’m very honored and excited to be the principal of PHUHS and I look forward to a year of many successes and accomplishments,” said Tonry.