Dec 18, 2006 9:21 am US/Eastern
Notable New Yorker: David Banks, Principal
by Kate Sullivan
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Being a school principal is tough. Being a high school principal is tougher.
And being an all-boys high school principal is a job fit for only a few.
"I think when you love- what you do and you bring that kind of energy and passion with the work that you do...everyday is a good day," says Banks whose official job is the principal of Eagle Academy.
Unofficially, he's a father, mentor and disciplinarian.
The difference between his high school and others is glaring. But, Banks says it has to be.
Uniforms are worn. Courtesy demanded. School extends to 4pm and school on Saturday is not optional.
Banks says, "We try to minimize the idle time of young men so they won't be on the streets. We have provided all sorts of after school opportunities."
From chess to debate to robotics, students are exposed to fresh experiences and taught they should not be limited by what they see.
Owusu Afriyie calls Banks his leader. "He's a visionary. He's leading us in this endeavor trying to educate our inner city youth. He's a model. He's a mentor for me."
The rules are strict, but many, like Anthony White, think it's worth it. "I just think that sort of a view of somebody who hasn't been inside of E. Academy to experience what it's like because to succeed in life you're going to have to adjust to certain conditions. So you're going to have to go to a job interview, you can't go and wear a sweat suit. You're going to have a tie, dress, choose…so it just preparing you for the future."
For David Banks not every day is easy, but every day is good. Especially when one more student is inspired to dream a little bigger just by being at Eagle Academy. "It's a confidence I built up over the years at Eagle Academy. Just a lot of things I've done that I've never thought I'd be able to do. That's where the confidence comes from."
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