One of the most popular traditions at Inderkum High School is fall’s annual Role Reversal Day.

It was previously known as Senior Takeover, a day when seniors choose a teacher to dress up as and instruct their class, complete with lesson plans for their fellow students.

This year, for the first time, juniors, sophomores and freshmen got to join in the fun by dressing like teachers (while not instructing the class), and staff members also participated by dressing like students.

This year the event was held on 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 , Jahnavi Karnati and Hashanah Contto took over May’s class for a couple of class periods. In preparation, King said the group planned games and a test to see which student knew May best.

Seniors Lena King,  Jahnavi Karnat and Hashanah Contto dress like teacher Melissa May and take over her class. Nov. 15.

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

A study 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 the past four years, King said, “Something like this is something people will see and look forward to as a freshman.” 

Sydnee Scarbough, a freshman, agreed.

“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,” she said after her physical education class was taught by a student for Senior Takeover. “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.”

Sophomore Garrett 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 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,” he said. “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. 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.”

Scarbough agreed traditions like Senior Takeover improve the high school experience.

“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,” she said.