By Daphne Lynd

In a symbolic gesture, Former Principal Charles Bruner gave the RHS Spirit Stick to Chris Choat at the annual back-to-school picnic, ushering in a new era for the school.

The picnic kicked off with teens and parents mingling and looking at the different booths as student groups showed off their programs.

“The one thing I’ve always said about Richardson High School is that it’s a school that is deeply rooted in its community, so the uniqueness of it is that we can celebrate with our community,” Choat said.

After serving as principal for four years, Bruner accepted a position in the Human Resources Department in central administration.

“I couldn’t be more excited for the students and Mr. Choat,” Bruner said. “This is Richardson High school, and as far as spirit, I don’t think that’ll ever change.”

Because he previously served as an assistant principal at RHS, Choat had already established relationships with students and staff.

“I really like Mr. Choat,” senior Haidan Moore said. “I think he’s really cool and really fun, and I know him better than I knew the previous principal, so I feel more comfortable.”

Many students say they still call him coach from his days as the defensive coordinator of the football team.

“I think the term coach, and the title coach, there’s a great respect for it,” Choat said. “The title coach means something because of the impact our coaches can have on our students that reaches farther than any classroom. If anyone calls me Coach, I am more than okay with that. It means I’ve impacted them.”