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High School Students Run the Show for a Day

High School Students Run the Show for a Day

Students took the reins for a day at a Seaford High School on Feb. 11, a highly anticipated annual event that gives them a behind-the-scenes look at education. The Student Takeover is a fundraiser hosted by student government, and interested participants can by raffle tickets for the chance to be paired up with an administrator or teacher of their choice. 

This year’s administrative team was senior Kayla Hoehn, freshman Layla Raposo and sophomore Sarah Denimark, who spent the day shadowing Principal Nicole Schnabel, Assistant Principal Alex Mantay and Assistant Principal Melanie Judson, respectively. Their tasks included delivering recognition letters to teachers, assisting with a project to install ADA-compliant signs around the building, making announcements, reviewing the student handbook and delivering supplies. They also voted on designs for the newly-renovated underclassmen cafeteria to enhance Seaford pride.  

Kayla said it was thrilling to spend the day with Ms. Schnabel and learning how the school operates. 

“I always see how hard she works and her dedication to the school,” Kayla said, “so I wanted to see what it looks like behind the scenes.” 

There were 29 students shadowing administrators and teachers. In the classrooms, the winning students dressed professionally as they helped teach lessons, lead discussions and review student work.  

Sophomore Brandon Bombardier was paired with his chemistry teacher, Lilly Alaimo. Even when she was on hall duty, Brandon sat alongside her to get the full experience, and they graded papers together.  

“She’s a great teacher and I thought it would be fun to teach her class,” he said. 

Ms. Schnabel noted that every staff member at Seaford High School has an important role, and the takeover is an impactful way for students to see the many responsibilities of administrators, teachers and support staff. All of those efforts, she added, are about giving students the best possible school experience. 

“It’s exciting for students to see that there’s a lot of different tasks involved in running a school,” she said. “There’s a lot of decision-making that goes on, and a lot of nitty-gritty. We all contribute to making Seaford High School a success.” 

Four individuals, two adults and two teenagers, are standing together in what appears to be a school hallway or corridor. The background includes lockers and other school-related elements.
The image shows a young man and a middle-aged woman standing together in what appears to be a workshop or studio setting, with shelves and various objects visible in the background.
The image shows three young women standing in what appears to be a lobby or hallway, with a sign in the foreground providing information about responsibility and safety guidelines.
The image shows a classroom setting with a student standing at a whiteboard and two other students seated at desks, engaged in what appears to be a classroom activity or discussion.
Two young women are standing in front of a classroom whiteboard displaying the title %22Romeo and Juliet%22 in a classroom setting.
Two individuals, a woman and a man, are seated at a desk, reviewing documents and working together in what appears to be an office or academic setting. The background includes shelves, framed artwork, and other furnishings, suggesting a professional environment.
A group of six people, including four women and two men, are seated on a bench in what appears to be a cozy indoor setting with artwork and decor in the background.