The Cats are back: Hayden wins back-to-school social media contest

Hayden High School principal James Sandstrom and director of admissions Sheri Cafer chat with incoming freshman Levi Endsley. Hayden started the school year on Aug. 14. The half-day culminated in an all-school assembly in the gym, where freshmen were welcomed to the school. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

TOPEKA — The halls of Hayden High School here were brimming with energy during the first day of school on Aug. 14.

Photographer Jay Soldner captured the half day after Hayden won The Leaven’s Facebook contest that kicked off on Aug. 5.

Spanish teacher Jennifer Head points out the various regions of Spain during the first day of class. For the first two hours of school, students and teachers were in their classrooms, refamiliarizing themselves with being back in school. Some classes jumped right into class work. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

The Leaven invited people to follow its page on Facebook (theleavenkc), as well as the archdiocesan schools page (archkckcs).

Voters liked or commented on the photo of the school they wanted to win a photo shoot during the first week of school, and the school with the most points on Aug. 11 won.

The Leaven plans to host an additional high school contest this fall — this time on Instagram.

Principal James Sandstrom, right, and chaplain Father Will Carey greet each other before the start of Hayden High School’s first day. Father Carey, who was ordained in May, will start his first year as chaplain at the school. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

During the first two hours of the morning at Hayden, students and teachers were in their classrooms, refamiliarizing themselves with being back in school. Some classes jumped right into class work, while others went over the class rules, the syllabus and expectations for being a part of Hayden.

The half day culminated in an all-school assembly in the gym, where freshmen were welcomed into their school family by the upper-class students.