Principal: Settles put the “real” in reality television
The high school principal of a Uniontown native who is now starring in her own television series said the woman has put the “real” in reality TV.
Thomas Colebank, the former principal at Uniontown Area High School, said Chelsea Settles’ appearance on a new show of her own name on MTV reminded him of her days in the hallways of the school.
“There was nothing fake about it. She still has that same exact smile as she did when she was here,” Colebank said.
“She was very funny on the show, just like she was here. At times she was shy and you could see that on the show. I think the shyness was more avoidance of coming out of her comfort zone.”
Settles, who graduated from UAHS in 2005, confronts her struggles with her identity and appearance on the show, which aired for the first time last week.
Colebank said as he watched the pilot episode, he knew instantly what goal Settles had in mind for herself, and for others.
“Too often people get involved with reality shows for stardom and fame. That’s not the case with Chelsea. I think she is sending a message that she’s making a difference in her life because she was willing to step out of her comfort zone one step at a time until she finally took that step to California,”he said. “And she is showing others at the same time that they can do the same.”
Colebank said what sets Settles apart from others is a combination of her passion and her solid family foundation.
“She can turn and find love around her mother, her grandmother, her cousin and her friends,” he said. “Too often people don’t realize the power they have in front of them with the support of family and friends, and Chelsea realized that.”
According to Colebank, the show was a major hit with students not only in Uniontown, but from surrounding school districts as well.
“They are all talking about it. She is sending her message nationwide, but it is really hitting home in Fayette County,” he said. “Now the kids are starting to discuss these issues about themselves because she was brave enough to get on television and talk about them. She is already encouraging others to take charge of their lives.”