Every morning at 7:15 a.m. sharp, I waltz into DGN’s doors with eyebags down to my toes and a minute away from hitting snooze on myself. Even so, there always seems to be someone waiting at the front doors that wakes everyone up faster than any alarm or cup of coffee. Funnily enough, it’s our very own principal Dr. DeMent.
While one could argue that her unmatched energy and attitude a
both a hot pink blazer and matching Air
Jordan 1’s for Friday Night Lights and
breast cancer awareness month. (Owen Halfpenny)
ttributes to the heavy lifting of that intensity, there’s an unspoken variable to her presence that rises above the rest: her clothes. From hot pink blazers to glittering shoes, it’s become a routine pleasure for students and teachers alike to experience the extravaganza brewed from her wardrobe – but why would our own principal do such a thing?
“I like to go by the phrase ‘if you look good you feel good, y’know? I think it helps build confidence when you’re feeling good about how you’re projecting yourself – however that might be,” Dr. DeMent said.
While some may see her fashion sense as exuberant, it’s all for a reason. It’s the most convenient way to display school spirit. To DeMent, clothing is the easiest platform to show her DGN pride on a daily basis; that’s the exact reason why free school spirit t-shirts are distributed in the first week of school. In her eyes, everyone should have the opportunity to participate.
heels full of positive affirmations to
wrap together her cheerful disposition
from top to bottom. (Courtney DeMent )
For the staff’s sake, her public portrayals are a great reminder that their job is to teach kids – to not take themselves too seriously. If they’re having fun, students will feel inclined to do the same.
Additionally, DeMent spoke of how clothing is an excellent way for her to connect with students she may not know already on an everyday basis. More specifically, her love for shoes.
“I can go out into the Commons and hit someone with ‘hey man nice shoes’ and boom you have a conversation, right? It’s the great piece that brings us together, I think. Everyone has their own shoes and their own style, so it’s a great conversation starter for students I don’t quite know yet,” DeMent said.
So next time you’re walking in the halls or through the Commons, take a note from DeMent and tell someone something as simple as “nice shoes.” If that person can walk away thinking they look good, you know they feel good too.
