First-grader serves as Woodland Elementary East's leader

For one day, she ruled the school at Woodland Elementary East.

First-grade student Madison Herman finished the school year with a special treat when she got to serve as Principal for the Day. The same week, third-grader Lucas Khubchandani got a chance to help run the Gages Lake school.

The students worked alongside Principal Kenneth Hyllberg, beginning with a visit to the Woodland Educational Support Center in Gurnee to receive an official identification tag.

"In order to act like a principal, one must dress for the part," said Hyllberg. "I look forward to watching these students embrace the role as principal in front of their peers."

Activities for the day included assisting with morning and afternoon announcements; having lunch with Hyllberg, the assistant principals and their teachers; assisting with after-school dismissal; visiting classrooms; and reading a book to their own classmates.

The Principal for a Day event was made possible through the Woodland Educational Foundation's first benefit auction, Woodland Wishes, which was held April 18. Parents and community members had the opportunity to bid on the event in order to support the Educational Foundation. A total of $17,000 was raised.