Get to Know Principal Gary Gardner

October is National Principals Month! To celebrate, we’re sharing short Q&As with each of our principals—giving you a glimpse into their leadership style, favorite parts of school life, and what drives their #PHMExcellence every day.

If you could swap places with a student for one day, what class or activity would you be most excited to participate in — and why?

Art Smart. I enjoy art and being creative.

What’s your go-to morning routine (or must-have snack/coffee order) that helps you tackle the day?

I am a fan of caramel flavored coffee but I try to limit it to one a week.

What were you like as a middle or high school student — and what’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

I was pretty well-rounded. I enjoyed time with friends, played a few sports recreationally, and worked hard in school. I was very active in Student Council as a middle and high school student. One piece of advice I would give myself is that it is important to learn how to schedule “me time” and prioritize where you spend your time.

If your job as a principal had a theme song, what song would be your walk up song–the one playing when you walked into school each day?

Don’t Stop Believing! I believe there is great potential in all students and staff to learn, grow, and excel.

What was your favorite school lunch or snack when you were a student? What is your favorite school lunch now as a principal?

My favorite school lunch as a student was pizza and breadsticks. I remember pooling money together with my tablemates and buying a huge tray full of breadsticks for lunches in middle school. Now, I’m just excited to eat lunch if I get a chance during the day. I rarely eat school lunch.

What’s one fun fact about you that most students or staff don’t know?

I have an identical twin brother. I also have twins myself and they were born on my birthday.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies outside of school that might surprise people?

I was a member of the Penn Chamber Choir during my senior year of high school.

What’s one thing on your bucket list you still hope to do one day?

I would like to travel to Italy with my wife.

What’s your favorite school tradition or event?

Back to School Open House. I always look forward to seeing our students and families when they return to the building in August at the start of the school year.

If you could describe your school in one word, what would it be?

Family.