World renowned

HUBBARD — Hubbard High School Principal B.J. Paris went from Buckingham Palace to educating central Texas students. Paris is in her first year at the high school and said she would not trade the fun she has had in Hubbard for anything.

Paris has an impressive resume by anyone’s standards. She has taught French at institutions spanning the globe and encompassing the military. Her most recent post was in Killeen as a middle school vice-principal.

Her stop in England, working for the royal family was an exciting experience, Paris said.

“It was in the 1970s and I met Prince Charles,” she said. “He is a nice guy with a great sense of humor.”

It was the royal family who turned the then 19-year-old onto education.

“They told me to go out and get a college degree,” she recalled.

So Paris went out and obtained her degree. She then worked in a deaf education school before moving into being a foreign language instructor.

“I worked in London in deaf education and absolutely loved it,” said Paris.

Being in the United States, Paris has noted some of the similarities and differences between education at home and abroad.

One of the main differences she sees has to do with students in the U.S. receiving more attention to overall development while in other countries academics is the only learning.

“I will say that the academic focus is not as high here than abroad,” she said.

Paris is the vice-president of the Texas Principals Association and works in Austin with legislation. She also serves on various boards and educational committees.

Paris is content with her role in the school system and said she would never want to become a superintendent.

“I have no interest in that,” she quickly responded.

In Hubbard, Paris said she has found the warmest, most hard working staff and realizes what a gem she has found.

“This group of staff is the best I’ve ever worked with,” she said.

—————

AJ Narasimhan may be contacted via e-mail at ajn@corsicanadailysun.com