As part of HOG Week fundraising, senior Karla Camacho and Principal Derrell Douglas switched places for a day.

“It was great,” Douglas said. “It’s one of my favorite days each year.”

Camacho paid $5 for the raffle ticket that won her the temporary role of principal.

“I wanted to know how it felt to be an administrator,” she said. “It was a fortunate opportunity.”

After observing classrooms and how teachers interact with students, Camacho said she is proud that the school runs so well.

“It has definitely helped me realize how busy principals are and what exactly they do,” she said.

Douglas went to all of Camacho’s classes and completed her assignments for the day.

“The biggest difference was that, as a student, I had to follow a regimented schedule,” he said. “As the principal, I have some limited freedom to decide what I’ll do and when I’ll do it.”

Douglas said the students were kind to him.

“My classmates spoke to me and included me in what was happening in class,” he said. “There was even a girl who was very friendly to me in the cafeteria when I ate lunch. We had a terrific conversation for the whole 45 minutes.”

Senior Tia Coleman said Douglas did a good job of playing the part of a student.

“He told everyone to call him Derrell,” she said. “He participated and helped me with my tutorials. Most principals would be kind of quiet, (but) he was communicating with everyone and talking.”

Douglas said he was reminded of how terrific students and teachers here are.

“Many (students) like Karla, challenge themselves by taking difficult classes,” he said. “They work hard and enjoy their time at school. (The teachers) work hard to create lessons that will interest and challenge our students.”

Coleman said the switch day should be done more often because it encourages student participation.

“If your principal is in class with you, it makes you want to be involved,” she said.

Camacho said she learned a lot by being principal for the day.

“The office, administration and faculty do so much, more than we ever expected,” she said. “Be nice to them and offer as much help as you can. They keep the school running smoothly.”