Nick Takes Over Your School (sweepstakes)

Nick Takes Over Your School was a sweepstakes held in the USA from 1988 until the early 2000s. The grand prize winner would win a visit from Nickelodeon to his school for the day. The details varied from year to year, but the main features of the event were a bus ride to school with Nick stars, live versions of Nickelodeon game shows, an obstacle course, a concert, and people getting slimed. The name would be used again for an episode of The Nick Cannon Show and an Australian TV show.
Note that the years below refer to the year the sweepstakes was held. However, the event itself typically occured in the spring of the following year.
==1988==
This was the first time the sweepstakes were held.Siegel, Andrea F. "Gooey Day Ahead". The Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan 1994. https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-01-19-1994019079-story.html. Accessed on 14 Sep 2023. 
Shawn McNeil Gooch, Donna. "Coup erupts when Nickelodeon takes control of school for a day". The Allen American, 15 Oct 1989, p. 38. Texas Digital Newspaper Program. Accessed on 14 Sep 2023. of West Utica Elementary School in Shelby, MI won the grand prize."Nickelodeon Takes Over Your School Television Commercial (1989)". Youtube, uploaded by Cow Missing. 9 Apr 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8b3EAGuN0I. Shawn and his mother filled out 100 entry forms for the contest.Rubin, Jeff, host. "Nickelodeon Took Over My School". The Jeff Rubin Jeff Rubin Show. 19 Apr 2016. https://headgum.com/the-jeff-rubin-jeff-rubin-show/nickelodeon-took-over-my-school. One of his entries were chosen from over 100,000.
The takeover took place on March 15, 1989.Musial, Robert. "Prime Time". Detroit Free Press, 16 Mar 1989, 3A. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023. Aside from Shawn and his family, none of the students knew that their school had won before hand. The take over was announced over the school's public announcement system by Les Lye, in character as Barth. The day's events included a live game of Double Dare hosted by Marc Summers (Robin Marella and John Harvey were there too), a science demonstration by Mr. Wizard's World host Don Herbert, and a live version of Nickelodeon's Kids Court. The kids from Don't Just Sit There and some of the kids from You Can't Do That On Television were also there. All of the students got to run through a non-messy version of the Double Dare obstacle course. Les Lye served lunch, once again as Barth. The principal was slimed during an assembly. New Kids On The Block gave the school a private concert in the gym and made Shawn the first honorary New Kid On The Block."New Kids On The Block at West Utica Elementary in MI". Youtube, uploaded by shigirl224. 4 Mar 2010. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eES7i1G2C9Q. They also filmed promos for next year's sweepstakes.
Along with the take over, Shawn won $1,000. All the kids got a t-shirt, hat, a coat that turned into a backpack, and some Green Slime shampoo. Kids who participated in Double Dare got a flag from the obstacle course.
==1989==
The grand prize winner was Robert Wren, a fifth grader at Selwyn Elementary in Charlotte, NC."Nickelodeon Takes Over Your School - News Coverage". Youtube, uploaded by Robert Wren. 1 Jun 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BAyjLCvuIU.
The take over happened March 29, 1990. Unlike the previous year, the kids knew about the take over. They waited outside for Gus the Bus to see Marc Summers wave the Nickelodeon flag and greet Robert. Many features of the previous year returned including Marc Summers and the Double Dare obstacle course, Les Lye as Barth, Don Herbert's science demonstration, and Will Friedle and Wendy Douglas from Don't Just Sit There.Fischer, Jen. "No Classes, No Studying, No Homework". Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar 1990, 12A. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023 New that year was Magellan from Eureeka's Castle, Count Duckula, Greg Lee from Total Panic and a live version of Make the Grade. In the afternoon, a member of Charlotte's city council gave Nickelodeon's crew the key to the city and Robert a hat, t-shirt, and Charlotte flag. That year's special musical guest was The Boys. 
Robert also won $1,000. All of the students got a t-shirt and hat.
==1990==
The grand prize winner was Natalie St. Cyr, a sixth grader at Marvista Elementary School in Normandy Park, WA. Her entry was selected from over 700,000 entries.Parrish, Linda W.Y. "A Wacky School Day -- Teachers, Pupils Ham It Up For Nickelodeon". The Seattle Times, 20 Mar 1991. https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19910320&slug=1272861. Accessed on 14 Sep 2023.
On March 19, 1991, Natlie and her brother Nicholas rode to school on a bus full of Nick stars. Returning features from the previous year included the Double Dare obstacle course, a live game of Double Dare hosted by Marc Summers, Don Herbert's science show, and Les Lye as Barth. Natalie spent part of the day making promos for Nickelodeon and talking to the press. Gabriel Juet-Weinshel, an eighth grader from McMurray Intermediate School, was invited to attend and make a two-minute segment about the event from a kid's perspective. Over the course of the day, five teachers were slimed (though five more had volunteered). Kathleen Vermeire, the mayor of Normandy Park and mother to a Marvista student, made an appearance to declare the date Nickelodeon Day. That year's concert was performed by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, presumably a version of the show from the Coming Out of Their Shells tour.Suttle, Gestin. "Cowabunga, dude: Ninja Turtles to invade Normandy Park school". The News Tribune (Tacoma, WA), 13 Mar 1991, E1. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023. 
In addition to having Nickelodeon come to her school, Natalie won $1,000 and a $250 wardrobe by Levis. The school received a Mr. Wizard Science Library, a collection of videos in which Don Herbert conducts experiments.
==1991==
Samantha Moorland was the year's grand prize winner."Nick Takes Over Your School 1993 Commercial". Youtube, uploaded by slowbillychud. 8 Jan 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfFBArl2eyc. Harvey Scott School in Portland, OR was taken over.Jewett, Dave. "Does she wannabe elsewhere?" The Columbian (Vancouver, WA), 23 Apr 1992, A3. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023. Footage of the event aired on Nickelodeon at 7 PM on May 1, 1992"Friday's television listings". The Californian (Temecula, CA), 1 May 1992, D-3. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023. and repeated at 12:30 PM on May 3, 1992."Sunday's Highlights". The Leaf-Chronicle (Clarksville, TN), 3 May 1992, 5E. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023.
==1992==
Christine Evans of Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary in Littleton, CO was the grand prize winner.Snick. Nickelodeon, 8 p.m. - 10 p.m., 1 May 1993.
Among the Nick stars present were Clarissa Explains It All star Melissa Joan Hart, Marc Summers, Wild & Crazy Kids host Donnie Jeffcoat, Jodie Resther (Kiki from Are You Afraid of the Dark?), and Jason Alisharan (Frank from Are You Afraid of the Dark?)). They also had Ren and Stimpy mascots. During the day, a series of clips and bumpers were filmed including Christine getting picked up for school by the celebrities, musical guest Kris Kross performing "Jump", and Christine commanding that various members of the school's staff, her classmates, and Donnie Jeffcoat be slimed.
The clips and bumpers filmed were originally broadcast during SNICK on May 1, 1993. The clips were rebroadcast on May 8, 1993 at 2 p.m., during the Nick Mania block"Saturday". The Vindicator (Youngstown, OH), 8 May 1993, TV Week 5. Google Books. Accessed on 14 Sep 2023.
==1993==
Sixth grader Breann Whitcomb of Marley Middle School in Glen Burnie, MD, was the grand prize winner. She and her 8-year-old sister Ashley had seen promos for the contest on Nickelodeon and each sent in three postcards.
Before the takeover could occur, Nickelodeon had to get permission from Breann's parents and get approval from both the school board and the principal."Nick Takes Over Your School | Ep. 10". Youtube, uploaded by Splat Attack Podcast. 1 Dec 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPqGPmyE8Rs A crew from Nickelodeon visited the school on December 20 to make arrangements for the event.
The actual take over occured on February 17, 1994. Many of the features of past take overs were repeated for this one, including the bus ride to school with the stars, the Double Dare obstacle course, the Mr. Wizard science show, and sliming both adults and students. Among the people present from past events were Marc Summers, Melissa Joan Hart, and Don Herbert. New for this year were Michael Maronna (Big Pete in The Adventures of Pete & Pete), Danny Tamberelli (Little Pete), Marc Weiner from Weinerville, Nick Arcade host Phil Moore, and several people from Roundhouse. They also had a Stimpy mascot. Most of the kids had to go to regular classes, but Breann spent the day with the Nick stars along with her little sister and some of her cousins. Musical guest Tag Team performed that year's concert. Breann ended the day shooting a scene for a tv spot where a bunch of students, including herself, got slimed.Hirsh, Arthur. "Nick TV's pick for messy mayhem is Marley Middle SLIMED!". The Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb 1994. https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-02-18-1994049181-story.html. Accessed on 14 Sep 2023. 
Along with the take over, Breann won $1,000 and a bunch of Nickelodeon merchandise including a watch, a jacket, a clock, some posters, a director's chair, and a calendar. A clip of her getting slimed was also included in Nickelodeon Director's Lab. The school received Mr. Wizard's Science Video Library, valued at $1,300, and $10,000 in video equipment. Every student recieved a Nick Takes Over Your School t-shirt and cap.
==1994==
Jennifer Lange of Pine Ridge Middle School in Naples, FL was the grand prize winner."Personal Concert". Billboard, 20 May 1995, p. 92. Google Books. Accessed 14 Sep 2023. On a whim, she entered the contest while visiting Nickelodeon Studios.Wilson, Wendy. “Nickelodeon takes over Pine Ridge”. Naples Daily News (Naples, FL), 27 Apr 1995, 1D. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023. Her entry was chosen from over 100,000 entries.Popkin, Helen A.S. "Nickelodeon Takes Over Pine Ridge Middle School". The Tampa Bay Times, 1 May 1995. https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1995/05/01/nickelodeon-takes-over-pine-ridge-middle-school/. Accessed on 14 Sep 2023.
Nick took over on April 26, 1995. The day began at 8:45 a.m. when a bus of Nick stars arrived to pick Jennifer up for school. Once there, Nickelodeon GUTS host Mike O'Malley and Phil Moore planted a flag at the school and announced that Nick had taken over. Along with Phil Moore, Danny Tamberelli and Marc Weiner made their return. Besides Mike O'Malley, newcomers included Kenan Thompson and Alisa Reyes of All That. Alfred Carr Jr. and Willis Green of Roundhouse were there as well, but it's unclear if they were at the 1993 take over. This year, the Double Dare obstacle course was replaced with the Nickelodeon GUTS obstacle course. A show was held at 2 PM. The show was kicked off with the mayor of Naples and Collier County Commission chairwoman making an appearance to proclaim it was "Jennifer Lange and Nickelodeon Day". The show continued with games of "Feeding the Baby" (during which students tossed gak-filled balloons at the teachers and "Human Bowling" (with a teacher in the giant ball). The members of Roundhouse gave the principal a dance lesson. The show ended with the assistant principal and two teachers of Jennifer's choice being slimed. The day ended with a concert by All-4-One at 4 p.m., during which Jennifer was serenaded by the singers on stage.
Jennifer was awarded $1,000. Her school was given a $5,000 grant. Everyone got a t-shirt.Engstrom, Tim. “Nickelodeon takes over Collier school”. News-Press (Fort Myers, FL), 27 Apr 1995, 1B. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023. Clips of the event were aired on Nickelodeon between shows in July and August 1995. Highlights were also shown on Gulf Coast Journal on April 27, 1995.
In gratitude, Jennifer wrote a letter to the editor of Naples Daily News, thanking Nickelodeon, Colony Cablevision, her school's faculty, the Collier County Commission chairwoman, and the mayor of Naples for their respective parts in the event.Lange, Jennifer. “Wonderful (and slimy)”. Letter. Naples Daily News (Naples, FL), 14 May 1995, 4B. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023.
==1995==
The year's grand prize winner was Dustin Hatfield, an eighth grader at St. Athanasius School in Louisville, KY. Dustin's mom sent in one entry for him and each of his two younger brothers. His entry was chosen from over 100,000.Dorsey, Tom. "Nickelodeon is taking its slimy fun to St. Athanasius". The Courier-Journal (Louisvile, KY), 20 Mar 1996, p. 11. Newspapers.com. Accessed on 15 Sep 2023.
The take over happened on March 28, 1996. Phil Moore waved the flag and announced the take over at the start of the day. Marc Weiner did the morning announcements as Boney. A Rocko mascot was there to greet the kids. In the gym, kids went through an obstacle course that combined elements of the Double Dare obstacle course and Basic Training from Nickelodeon GUTS. Games from Double Dare and Wild & Crazy Kids were played on stage."St Athanasius Nick Day". Youtube, uploaded by Wanda Whitworth. 30 Dec 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFE2Vkta81I. Musical guest The Spin Doctors performed a concert for the school. The day ended with Dustin sliming the principal and two teachers, followed by him getting slimed himself along with his brothers.
Along with the takeover, Dustin won $1,000. Nickelodeon also donated $5,000 to the school. All students were given a t-shirt.
==1996==
The winner was Eddie Alejandro, a fifth grader at Sonoma Ranch Elementary in Gilbert, AZ.Petrie, Bob. “Nick’s Knack”. Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ), 27 Mar 1997, EV1. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023.
The event occurred on March 26, 1997. The day began with kids lining up outside the school to see the stars and winner get off the bus.Wes. "Day 41: The Ninja Turtles Love Old School Nickelodeon". Turtle A Day, 17 Aug 2011. https://turtleaday.blogspot.com/2011/08/day-41-ninja-turtles-love-old-school.html. Among that year's stars were Michelle Trachtenberg (Nona from The Adventures of Pete & Pete), Amanda Bynes and Lori Beth Denberg from All That, Larisa Oleyneck and Darris Love from The Secret World of Alex Mack, and Irene Ng from The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. Costumed characters Tommy, Chuckie, Rocko, Doug, Ickis, and Krumm were there to pose for pictures. Most of the day was ordinary. During gym class, students played with Nick stars. Students did an obstacle course combining elements of Double Dare and GUTS. The day ended with a show featuring games from Nickelodeon game shows, the principal getting slimed, and a performance by No Mercy.
Eddie won $1,000 for himself and $5,000 for his school.
==1997==
The year's grand prize winner was Kyle Villalobos, a first grader at Valley View Elementary School in Romeoville, IL. His mother, who made a hobby of entering sweepstakes, entered him, hoping to win one of 1,000 leather M&M jackets being given away to runner ups. Kyle's entry was chosen from 100,00 entries.Armstrong, Cathy. "Sweepstakes Junkie Wins Special day For Son's School". The Chicago Tribune, 28 May 1998. https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-05-28-9805280306-story.html. Accessed on 15 Sep 2023.
The takeover happened on May 27, 1998. Kyle, his brother Ryan, his friend Alex, and his mother rode to school on a bus with Nick stars. Throughout the day, the stars and costumed characters visited classrooms and signed autographs. The Nickelodeon GUTS obstacle course was set up on the playground for students to run through. At least one teacher and the principal were slimed. The musical group Immature gave a concert."Goop-Bye!" The Chicago Tribune, 2 Jun 1998. https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-06-02-9806020186-story.html
Besides the takeover, Kyle won $1,000. Nickelodeon donated $5,000 to the school.
==1998==
The year's grand prize winner was Mallory Lawson, an 11-year-old student at Hubert Middle School in Savannah, GA."Britney Spears Gives Private Concert At Georgia Middle School". MTV.com, 18 May 1999. https://www.mtv.com/news/iw4x0m/britney-spears-gives-private-concert-at-georgia-middle-school. Accessed on 15 Sep 2023. 
Mallory's mother was informed that Mallory had won over a month before the event. However, she waited until a few weeks before the event to make sure all the required permissions were obtained. She and her classmates were somewhat involved in planning the event. Mallory was asked her preference for her musical guest (Britney Spears, who actually came, was her third choice after *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys). Her class got to decide what three songs would be performed at the school."Nick Takes Over Your School II: 1999 | Ep. 20". Youtube, uploaded by Splat Attack Podcast. 27 Apr 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QupKfBOOMVI.
The take over happened the week of May 15, 1999. Mallory and her cousin rode to school with the stars. Among the stars present were Lori Beth Denberg and Danny Tamberelli from All That, and Arjay Smith and Shane Sweet from The Journey of Allen Strange. They also had Angry Beavers mascots. The GUTS obstacle course returned. Britney Spears gave that year's concert. Mallory and her cousin were slimed after the concert while shooting a promo.
Mallory won $1,000 and the Nickelodeon Time Blaster along with winning the event. All of the kids got a t-shirt.
==1999==
Pamela, a student at West Knox Elementary School in Corbin, KY, won the grand prize."Nick Takes Over Your School Sweepstakes - Spring 2000 - West Knox Elementary - Nickelodeon". Youtube, uploaded by Noughties Nostalgia. 24 Jun 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYqxkFG5Zzg.
Among the celebrities were Double Dare 2000 host Jason Harris, Steve Burns from Blue's Clues, and Lindsay Felton, star of Caitlin's Way. The GUTS obstacle course was replaced with a Double Dare 2000 obstacle course. The cafeteria was turned into a Chuck E. Cheese for the day, with popsicles for dessert. Several students were slimed and LFO gave a concert.
==2000==
The year's winner was Jessika Miles, a 9-year-old student at Pine Crest Elementary School in Lithia, FL. She kept her win secret for a month while the event was cleared with the school.Ryan, Patty. “Slime-time TV comes to Lithia school”. Tampa Tribune, 16 May 2001, Metro 3. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023.
The take over occurred on May 15, 2001. Nick Cannon and Christina Vidal, star of Taina were there. Dave Aizer, Jonah Travick, and Jessica Holmes were also there"Won Nick takes over your school in 4th grade and got to spend the day with Nick Cannon, Aaron Carter and the slime time crew!!" TikTok, uploaded by jesskuh1991. 18 Aug 2022. https://www.tiktok.com/@jesskuh1991/video/7133082781122497838 and staged version of Slime Time Live for the school. They also brought the Double Dare 2000 obstacle course. Several of the adults at the school were slimed,"Nickelodeon Takes Over Your School Sweepstakes advert from 2001". Youtube, uploaded by Sum Square Stories. 3 Oct 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1kuYi6cGWw. including the principal. Jessika was slimed as well. Aaron Carter was the musical guest, giving a concert and answering questions.
Along with the event, Jessika won $1,000 for herself and $5,000 for her school. In addition to the grand prize, 250 first prize winners won a Bop-It toy and a copy of CatDog: Quest for the Golden Hydrant."Nick Takes Over Your School Sweepstakes Commercial (2000)". Youtube, uploaded by Zak Wolf. 6 Oct 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utL2xF45Xao.
==2001==
Unlike previous contests, the fall 2001 contest had four winners. Footage from one winning school was shown each Monday of November 2001. Slime Time Live's Dave Aizer, Jonah Travick, and Jessica Holmes were there to put on a version of the show for the school. Each school had a concert performed by either the Baha Men, O-Town, Lil' Romeo, or Nick Cannon. Nickelodeon broadcast the events of the day."Otown *All or Nothing* Nickelodeon Takes Over Your School". Youtube, uploaded by suzi98babe. 27 May 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d42pJHSuZ1k.
One of the winners was Corey Hall, a fifth grader at Palm Beach Maritime Academy in West Palm Beach, FL. The takeover occurred on November 14, 2001. The event lasted for three hours. Kids bobbed for apples in bowls of slime and the Slime-U-Lator was there. The principal was slimed along with several teachers and students (including Corey himself). Corey won $1,000 for himself and $5,000 for his school. Footage from the event was broadcast on November 26, 2001.Isger, Sonja. "Students win gets prime time slot Nickelodeon". The Palm Beach Post, 15 Nov 2001, 4B. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023.Maritime Academy students get slimed in lime". The Palm Beach Post, 15 Nov 2001, 1B. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023."Yuck". South Florida Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL), 15 Nov 2001, 3B. Newspapers.com. Accessed 24 Oct 2023.
==References==
Category:Sweepstakes