Becoming a teacher is the career path desired by  many children, but rarely does one hear about someone dreaming to become a principal. Most students don’t even know what a principal does.

Kelly Morris, a 1994 Diamond Bar High School graduate,  knows;  she became the principal of Maple Hill Elementary School this year after teaching for 17 years. For many DBHS students, Morris was their  third grade teacher.  

In high school, Morris was  involved in varsity basketball, varsity softball and Drama.  She also served as the Girls League president and the athletics commissioner of USB.

After receiving a full-ride basketball scholarship to Cal State Northridge, she played Division I basketball for a year before transferring to San Diego State, where she graduated with honors.  

She moved onto Cal Poly Pomona for her teaching credential and Concordia University for her Master’s and Administrative Credential.

Although a teacher and a principal may seem like two contrasting occupations, Morris begs to differ, as she uses the skills she obtained from her 17 years of teaching on a daily basis as a principal.

She states that being a principal is just like being a teacher, but on a larger platform, though she misses being able to connect with kids on a daily basis and getting to know them on a deeper level.

As principal, Morris is not a fan of enforcing student discipline.

“Contrary to popular belief, principals do not like dealing with discipline issues.  Remember that the next time you are sent to the principal’s office. Principals are people, too, so work with us, not against us,” Morris said.

While attending DBHS, Morris was told  by the teachers and staff  that she could do anything she set her mind to. She said  that she never felt any limitations, and in turn, she was uninhibited.

“DBHS invested in me the notion that there was a bigger world outside of myself, and this compelled me to think outside of myself and put forth the effort to make the world a better place,” Morris said. “I  feel this conviction, even today.”

Morris attributes her success to being a “people person.” She is a firm believer that whatever profession one may choose, being able to interact and connect with people is what leads to true success.

“You can have all of the knowledge in your head, but it’s the spirit for people that brings you the most success in life,” Morris said.

Morris plans to serve as principal of Maple Hill until the day she retires. Other principals have told her  that she will one day want to pursue her doctorate, but for now, Morris enjoys concentrating all of her efforts on the teachers and students of Maple Hill.