Director of Academics at Friendship Charter Schools
Washington, D.C.

While principal at Friendship Woodridge Elementary School in Washington, D.C., Rictor Craig knew that in order to convince his students to live a healthy life, he had to do so himself. He changed the way he ate and began running 5Ks, 10Ks and eventually two half marathons. In the process he lost over 80 pounds. As the school community saw the shift in his health, they also became more excited about health and wellness.

Rictor led many health initiatives during his four years at Friendship Woodridge. One of his favorite projects was the implementation of the farm-to-table program in partnership with the University of the District and 100 Black Men. This initiative brought a healthy eating and farm-to-table program into the school in which students participated in live food demos and cooked different types of healthy dishes, discussed the science behind it and best of all, enjoyed eating new, healthy foods.

Additionally, Rictor started a school garden and partnered with the Washington Youth Garden to create an outdoor classroom in which the pre-K – 8th grade students can plant different fruits, vegetables and spices as well as use the space in creative ways to develop math, ELA and writing skills.

Rictor’s health drives him in creating healthy school environments. To see others inspired by his health journey keeps him wanting to push himself to become even better.