Generally, there seems to be a pretty clear distinction between adults and students in schools. The administration makes the rules, the students follow them. Students race through the hallways from room to room trying to get to class on time, while administrators only occasionally venture out of their offices. They sit in cushy, roller chairs while we sit in hard, stationary desks all day.

The interaction between Antioch Community High School’s administrators and students shows that maybe there isn’t such a big divide between students and adults when it comes to school. In the long run, we’re essentially just attempting to listen to each other and change our actions accordingly. Though it may not seem this way, students can have just as much influence on the administrators as they do on students and vice versa.

The administration at ACHS has succeeded in creating a feeling of respect and comfort between itself and the students.

“This year has brought many changes to ACHS that have changed the school in a positive way. The entire administration cares about the students, school, parents, teachers, etc. and it becomes clear once you realize everything they do,” said senior Anna Gwozdz.

In four years, the senior class saw a revolving door of administration, particularly the principal. Because of this, the class of 2014 is able to shed a light on the difference between administrations of past and present.

Senior Hannah Bohn said, “Compared to my first three years of high school, the administration has been much more involved with student life. They’re in the hallways, and at sporting events, they aren’t just supervising, they actually show interest by taking pictures and greeting students.”

Many students, especially seniors, have had the opportunity to discuss matters concerning the effects of certain decisions on the student body and have put forth opinions and suggestions with the understanding that they will be heard and taken into full consideration.

Senior Vivek Gupta said, “I’ve probably had more opportunities than most to interact with the administration as a whole, and walking out of their respective offices, I’m always satisfied that my message has been conveyed and that I’ve been treated as someone whose ideas are worth listening to.”

Though the students’ popular opinion may not always be favored in the end, we are never left with “just because” as a reason.

The ability of our school’s officials to foster an atmosphere that promotes respect while also enabling students to develop professional relationships and to feel as though they have a voice is truly admirable. It is so inspiring to see students talking with the principal or one of the assistant principals in the hallways between classes and how obvious it is that these adults are completely interested and invested in the success of ACHS’s students.

“These principals are incredibly personable and give students the feeling that [they] have the students’ best ideas at heart,” said senior Cody Albrecht.

While students and administrators may have different roles on paper, to make a school successful requires a joint effort. Though the current seniors may only have the pleasure of attending ACHS under these particular administrators for one year, we, as students, are truly lucky to be part of the ACHS community.