It has been his philosophy for more than 31 years in the Dallas County School system, a philosophy which has kept him in teaching and administration for as long as he can remember. Be a role model, set an example for your students, and above all else be firm, but fair.

That is the philosophy of Henry Ketton, the principal at Bruce K. Craig Elementary. Ketton was recently honored by the Dallas County Board of Education for having served 31 years in the Dallas County School System. Ketton, now 54, will retire at the end of this year.

Ketton, a graduate of Alabama State University, who started off in the school system as a physical education teacher at Keith High School in 1971, said he has enjoyed all 31 yearsyears, he said, where he spent nurturing his philosophy.

“The main thing I have always believed in is that kids need good role models,” Ketton said. “I have always tried to lead by example rather than just by telling my students what to do. The kids learn by watching you and the example you set for them.”

Ketton has been a principal in the Dallas County system for the past 21 years, starting at the former Hazen Harrell High School, then moving to Tipton Middle School and finally taking his current position at Bruce K. Craig Elementary.

Besides being a principal, Ketton, along with his wife Gloria, have raised three girls, two of whom are teachers, and one of whom currently attends Tuskegee University.

“I have really loved raising my children, it’s something that I have truly enjoyed doing,” he said.

Ketton said the only other thing he could have asked for was to have raised a boy. But, he said, he now will get the chance, at least indirectly.

“After I retire, I will get to spend a lot more time with my grandson,” Ketton said. “I always wanted to raise a boy, and in a way, I am finally getting the chance to finally do it.”

Ketton’s philosophy with students who are boys has always been to “try to build a boy, rather than repair a man.”

“Be fair, be firm, and they will respect you,” Ketton said. “That has always been my way of thinking when it comes to my students, and that is something I honestly and truly believe in.”

After years of teaching, though, Ketton said he is finally happy to call it quits.

“What will I do now?” he said. “I will travel, spend time with my grandson, and I will also get to spend more time with my parents, who are still living,” he said. Said Ketton with a smile, “If I ever get bored, I’ll just come back here and do what I usually do.”