Judson High School now has a new, familiar leader.

Our new assistant principal, Ellen Ball, had always wanted to be a principal. She got her certificate last year from Letourneau University, for the purposes of eventually leading her school. With all the changes to the administration staff this year, Ball was chosen as the perfect fit to become our new assistance principal.

“I think I can make a difference,” Ball said.

Ball originally wanted to be an English teacher. While in college, she changed her major to history, persuaded by an old coach from high school. She taught on campus as a U.S. government teacher before becoming an assistant principal.

Her job varies from dealing with student discipline, to after school activities such as softball games, and curriculum meetings.

“I’ve had to learn how to multitask,” Ball said.

Like most jobs, it gives her some stress. But for Ball, being an assistant principal fulfills a lifelong dream.

“I get to see kids change for the better,” Ball said.

The biggest difference between being a teacher and a principal is dealing with a lot more kids and parents.

“There’s definitely more variety [with the students],” Ball said.

When asked about the hardest part of her job she said, she hilariously said, “walking.”

Ball’s end goal is to be a principal of her own inner city school, similar the one she went to.

“I want a school that’s more of the community [I was raised in,]” Ball said.

Just like other organizations, the campus saw something in Ball, and promoted within. Hopefully, Ball will bring the same Rocket Pride other administrators have brought to campus leadership.