Inderkum high school is full of traditions, one of the biggest being fall’s Senior Takeover where seniors instruct the classes of Inderkum teachers, and create fun lesson plans for other students to participate in. This year the school’s leadership committee is introducing a new twist, adding role reversal. Now the junior, sophomore and freshman classes can join in on the fun. For one day, students dress like their teachers and teachers dress like students.

Senior takeover was Nov. 16, right before school was out for a week-long fall break.

“This is the first year they’ve done role reversal where all students can dress like teachers (not just seniors.)” Said Melissa May, Broadcast Media Teacher.

Seniors Lena King and Jahnavi Karnati took over May’s Broadcast Media class for a couple of periods. In preparations for the event King said “We are hoping to have some games everyone can play and a little broadcast challenge and a kahoot to who knows Mrs. May best.” 

“If you have a connection with a teacher . . . it’s really enjoyable to take over their class.”King said 

A report published on Sep. 9. 2018 by Leah Shafer for the Harvard Graduate School of Education titled, “​​Building a Strong School Culture,” found that “special traditions . . . help reinforce your cultural vision, especially when the meaning of these tangible artifacts is consistently communicated . . . It also inspires continued commitment to shared values.”

Reflecting over her time at Inderkum and senior takeover over the past four years King said, “something like this is something people will see and look forward to as a freshman.” 

“I feel like it’s a good way for kids to have fun and have the seniors connect more with some teachers before leaving the school.” Said Sydnee Scarbough, freshman, after her physical education class was taught by a student for senior takeover. 

The excitement for senior takeover isn’t only present in the upper classmen. Scarbough said, “This gets me very excited to do senior takeover because I think it would be fun to go into some of my favorite teachers’ classes and have fun with the younger grades and give them fun activities to do.”

On the importance of school traditions Scarbough said, “I think school traditions are important because they keep kids connected to their school and involved in a fun way and I think it brings good energy and culture to the school.”

Sophomore Garrett Izumi suggested to his friends that they should participate in role reversal day by dressing up as their most memorable teachers. Izumi dressed up as his ninth grade AP Human Geography teacher Stephen Prichard and came to school sporting a black button up and blue jeans.

Izumi, the spirit week enthusiast, said he can’t wait to participate in the senior takeover once he’s a part of the graduating class. “I’m so excited to experience what a teacher goes through each day.” 

“I don’t understand why my brother (senior Justin Izumi) isn’t participating in senior takeover because it seems super fun and they’re a bunch of fun teachers you can do it for.” Said Izumi. “This special tradition is helping Inderkum build a strong culture, when students experience senior takeover for the first time as freshmans they are inspired to participate.