March 11 was just another day for most Edgecomb Eddy School students, but it was a special day for one sixth-grader. Jax Marshall was assistant principal of the day. Marshall earned the reward for being the top reader in the recent Parent Teacher Association read-a-thon at the school. Marshall read six books for a total of 2,045 minutes. 

Friday morning, instead of heading to his homeroom, Marshall began the day behind his own desk in his own office. Marshall made an immediate impact by bringing donuts to the staff. “That was my mom’s idea,” he said.

Once his day began, Marshall performed the duties of a school administrator. His agenda included classroom observations, filling out forms, advising administrators on buying new playground equipment, and making one important decision: “After break, I made an announcement there would be an extra 15-minute afternoon recess. Kids like recess,” he said. 

His teacher Nicole Ellis and Principal Christina Boursaw described Marshall as a bright student. “He’s a great boy and student who is very respectful in class,” Ellis said. Dr. Boursaw also complimented him on his performance as assistant principal. “He’s done a great job. He sat in on a classroom observation and made good recommendations (on) new playground equipment.”

Marshall returned to his role as a sixth grader on March 14. He enjoys video games. His favorite is “Legend of Zelda” which features sword fighting. Marshall’s favorite school subjects are math and science. He especially enjoys learning about animals. He plans on attending college, but doesn't have career plans yet. “I don’t honestly know, maybe something with animals,” he said. 

During the read-a-thon, fifth graders read for the most minutes with 749 minutes per student. Second place went to the third grade with 563 minutes per student.

The school also recognized each class’ top reader: Marshall, sixth grade, 2,045 minutes; Hattie Tomko, third grade, 1,826 minutes; Margaret McCarthy, fifth grade, 1,683 minutes; Micah Perry, fourth grade, 770 minutes; Lyla Joyce, second grade, 712 minutes; Llireva Blagdon, first grade, 664 minutes; Myrick Blagdon, pre-kindergarten, 440 minutes; and Lizzie Garey, kindergarten, 277 minutes.