Milton Keynes students step into top roles for Takeover Day

Each youngster was the winner of the Takeover Day competition and got to choose who they wanted to spend the day with.

Their choices were the Local Police Area Commander, Gez Chiariello, MP for Milton Keynes South, Iain Stewart, MK Council’s Director of People, Michael Bracey, and The Milton Keynes Mayor, Steve Coventry.

Curtis Ilot, a student at MK College and Samantha De Ponte, from Denbigh School shadowed the LPA commander, Gez Chiariello for the day. Gez, Curtis and Samantha spent the day observing officers executing a warrant, were given a tour of the police station, and shown the CCTV room and the Control Room as well as joining Gez on a patrol.

Curtis Ilot, said: “My favourite part of the day was the tour around the police station.”

Samantha De Ponte, said: “In the control room when I was listening to the 999 calls, It was really eye opening to hear what people were saying and how they handled the whole situation and what happened next.”

Caitlin Cheshire, also from Denbigh School, was the Mayor for the day. The Mayor of Milton Keynes, Steve Coventry, the Mayoress, Liane Lacey, and Caitlin had a much different day with the highlight being an invitation to try indoor skydiving at iFly in the Xscape, one of Milton Keynes top attractions, as well as making a visit to Redway School.

Caitlin Cheshire, said: “I really enjoyed doing iFly and going to Red Way School to meet all the students. It was really educational to see how different types of support are given around Milton Keynes.”

Folu Ogunyeye, a student at Aylesbury High School, was a Member of Parliament for the day and shadowed Milton Keynes South MP, Iain Stewart. Folu’s day as an MP included a visit to technology company Computacenter and meeting Pete Winkelman at the MK Dons Stadium, which was getting ready for a live broadcast for Children in Need.

“I wanted to take part in Takeover Day to learn more about how politics functions in my local community,” said Folu. “It has been a very enriching experience and a wonderful opportunity to spend the day with Iain Stewart, getting insight into the duties of an MP.

“The visit to Computacenter has been really interesting. It’s very inspiring to hear the apprentices’ stories and I’ve learned all about the benefits of an apprenticeship as an alternate form of education.”

Director of People, Michael Bracey, Elize Chappell, a student at Denbigh School and Joshua Miller from Stephenson Academy also had a packed day. The trio stopped over at Redway School to tour the new building as well as visiting Langland School and the Hedgerows Family Centre.

Elize Chappell, said: “Going to red way school and seeing the new building was my highlight of today”

Joshua Miller added: ‘It was really interested to see all the different aspects of Michael Bracey’s job as Director of People.’