Last Friday, I stopped at Starbucks before waiting for my bus like I always do when a man stopped in front of me and asked if I was waiting in line. I replied and said, “Yes, sir.” He apologized and stood behind me.

As I stood in line still trying to decide what I would like to order to drink the man, now behind me, asked me what year I was. I replied, “I am a freshman.” For a brief moment he looked and smiled at me and said with excitement in his voice that he was Smoky Hill’s new principal, Mr. Puga.

Hired just last month Mr. Chuck Puga is currently the principal at Ponderosa High School, but will start at Smoky for the 2015-2016 school year.

My eyes widened with excitement and I reached out to shake Mr. Puga’s hand. With a smile on his face Mr. Puga reached a hand toward mine so that we could shake hands. Mr. Puga said, “I only asked what year because I saw your green Smoky Hill sweatshirt.”

I approached the counter to order a Caramel Macchiato, but when I was about to hand the cashier my money, Mr. Puga stopped me and said, “Here. Let me buy you your drink.”

I was so surprised.  I quickly said. “You don’t have to do that.” And then, “Oh my gosh, thank you!”

Right away I knew that Mr. Puga is a kind, generous and respectable man. I think Mr. Puga is very cool and I really enjoyed talking to him. I look forward to having Mr. Puga as our principal and see what it will be like having him in our halls.

Smoky Hill students and staff should go and see what a great man Mr. Puga is. The meet and greet with our new principal, Mr. Puga, has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 22. Mr. Puga will be in Activities during lunches and in the Main Office Conference Room from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.