CAPA’s New Principal; but who is he?

CAPA has a new principal who says that he’s here to stay. Alonzo Fulton is our current Principal with some big plans and expectations for CAPA! But who is he exactly? 

Principal Fulton is a Philadelphia local, who graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School and went into the HBCU Lincoln University where he majored in History and Secondary Education. In his freshman year of college, he did a summer program called “Freedom School” where he realized his love and passion for teaching, which would then jumpstart his teaching career. Fulton was a History teacher, an English teacher, and even a special Education teacher. 

Because of his dedication, he was noticed by the principal of his school who encouraged him to seek a master's in Educational Leadership and Administration, this would then lead him to become the Dean of Students, then Assistant principal at Roosevelt Elementary School, and now as the Principal at CAPA!

My interview with Principal Fulton was incredibly lighthearted and fun, which is exactly how he describes himself.

“I like to have fun, I like to joke. I like to build relationships with my students.” Principal Fulton has been seen engaging with all the students in every major. From singing with the Concert Choir during the open house to watching the writers during a haiku workshop, Fulton can be found all around the school making an effort to get to know everybody.

Even though it's only been three months since the start of the school year, Fulton has already put some of his plans into action. Starting the Middle school recruitment process, bringing in shadows so middle schoolers get an inside look into CAPA, and even bringing in Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr. and Disney Stars Israel Johnson and Tim Johnson Jr. for a meet and greet with all the students.

“Restore the legacy of CAPA” is his overall goal during his time here. He wants to introduce students to opportunities outside of CAPA so they can achieve their artistic and creative goals.

“For creative writers, I want to expose them to directors and y’know writers, whether it's poets, script writing, or authors.” Fulton also shared his desire to give the writers their own space, saying it’s something he wants to make happen so every unique major has a place they can call their own.

Principal Fulton has been open to so many ideas both from staff and students. He has brought back the school musical and has plans to bring back Alumni Day. He wants to bring back both famous alumni and active alumni in the community to CAPA to engage with students in every major. We even have a new school dance called “The Blizzard Ball” that was suggested by a student and will be held on January 10th, 2025 for 9th and 10th-grade students.

He tells students to expect so much more as the year progresses, he is an amazing new addition to CAPA. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious and exactly what the school needs to continue to be great. I believe that he is starting a new generation for CAPA and I can’t wait to see all the events and opportunities he plans to bring to us.