Principal Spotlight: Patrick Bathras, Severna Park High School

How well do you know the principal at your neighborhood school? We’re surveying local principals to learn more about their hobbies, their best stories and some facts that might surprise you. This month, get to know Patrick Bathras from Severna Park High School.

How long have you been at Severna Park High School?

I started as principal at SPHS in fall 2008.

What is your favorite part of being a principal?

Working with the students and seeing how talented, involved and great they are! The future is in good hands with our Falcons.

Which school event do you look forward to the most each year?

Graduation because it’s such a special and memorable milestone in a child’s life.

What’s something interesting most people don’t know about you?

I have graduated two of my sons and nine nieces/nephews from SPHS.

If you could have dinner with one person from history, who would it be?

Jesus

Which decade do you love the most and why?

The 1980s. I grew up during my middle and high school years in the ‘80s and love the music, movies, and that time period in our country.

You’re singing karaoke. What song do you pick?

“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

Where in the world have you not travelled but would like to travel eventually?

Greece

What is your favorite professional sports team?

Washington Capitals

You’re gathering friends or family to play a board game, card game or video game. Which game do you choose and why?

“Trivial Pursuit”

Do you cook? What is your favorite dish to prepare?

I use Blue Apron. I am not the most capable in the kitchen, so it’s nice to have Blue Apron recipes, which make cooking enjoyable, tasty and nutritious. And with Blue Apron, I don’t have to think about what to cook each day/week. But I do love to grill in the summertime.

What was your least favorite food as a child? Do you still hate it or do you love it now?

I used to not like Brussels sprouts as a child because my mother didn’t cook them well. But when I was in my 30s, I went to a restaurant that baked them with bacon, so now I enjoy them a lot as an adult. After all, anything is good with bacon.

Do you have any superstitions?

I played baseball in high school, so I had quite a few superstitions while playing, like don’t step on any foul lines when coming off or on the field. It’s typical of baseball players to have superstitions.

What was the worst job you ever had?

I was lucky to have good jobs. I started at Best home goods store in the ‘80s with my first part-time job as a teenager, then worked part-time for a moving company during my senior year of high school, then did lifeguarding in college, then did part-time construction in summers while I began my teaching career. I have enjoyed all the various positions I’ve had in my educational career (principal, college professor, assistant principal, math resource teacher, middle and elementary school teacher).

What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?

I did the slingshot (metal sphere that shoots two people in the air) at the inlet at the Ocean City, Maryland, boardwalk.

What is your favorite movie, show or book? Why?

“The Firm” by John Grisham. It turned me on to reading for enjoyment. I read all the Grisham novels back in the day.

What is the best gift anyone’s ever given to you?

My two sons are my greatest gift.

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What three things would you take with you?

A lighter, toothbrush, and a cellphone so I can call someone to get off the island.

If you have a day with absolutely no plans, how do you spend it?

If weather is good, taking a ride on my motorcycle wherever the road leads me. If weather is bad, watch Netflix or Amazon Prime.

Photo Provided

Severna Park High Principal Patrick Bathras enjoys riding his motorcycle “wherever the road leads me.”