After focusing, and engaging with classmates, the most anticipated time of day for Ledyard students is going to lunch. Talking to their friends, while reenergizing and getting a bite in, is the highlight of the school day for most. It’s a break from classwork to enjoy one of the best luxuries in life: food. However, there’s a stigma around school cafeteria food and how it tastes. Ledyard Cafe’s staff are doing their best to break through that stigma and make lunchtime a time everyone always looks forward to. They have introduced four new seasonings to the condiment table for kids to season their food at their leisure: Moroccan, Mexican, Garlic & Herb, and Nashville Hot. Although it needs more advertising, some students have already given the spices a shot and have their opinions about it:

“I think it’s a cool addition. I think it’s a good opportunity. Great tip, throw some seasoning on the fries and you got a delicious masterpiece.” – Senior Billy Sharpe 

“They are delish; the herb one is the best.” – Junior Alex Olczak

“I tried the red hot one; it was really good and it needs to stay. I would totally recommend.” -Junior Abby Diamond

“I think it’s great. They have all these seasonings but like where is the salt and pepper?” – Junior Jack Stanton

“The Moroccan spices add so much flavor. I would’ve never tried the flavor profile before, but it’s good!” – Junior Ollie Jackson 

“The food is ten times better than when I was in high school, in variety and taste.” – Assistant Principal, Mr Turner

In addition to the new flavors of the lunchroom, we have the lovely faces of the cafe staff who look forward to seeing the students rush in, excited to see what is on the menu any day. One of the fan favorites of the student body, Ms. Irene, gave some input about her experience as a lunch lady. In response to what she thinks would be a great addition to the lunch menu she says, “A coffee bar would be great.” Considering how many students walk into the school with coffee in their hands, Ms.Irene comes through with another great suggestion to make the student body even happier. Some of the other lunch staff recommended seafood, cheesecake, Greek food, pad thai, double cheeseburgers, or a dish including mushrooms. Whether for health benefits, guilty pleasures, or just some yummy food, the lunch staff always thinks of ways to improve the students’ lunch experience. 

 To better understand how the lunch staff perceives their day-to-day lunch shift, they were asked about their favorite part of their job in the lunch division. One of the lunch ladies, Ms. Amber, said, “Working with my coworkers; it gets me out of my bubble and allows me to bond with my job a lot.”  Ms. ShaToya said she likes working with the kids and the food. The lunch staff have truly expressed their admiration and care for all the students they serve. They have dozens of conversations with students every day and see them evolve from freshman to senior year. They only hope to put a smile on their faces and contribute to a good reset before they return to school work once lunch is over. In the words of Ms. Irene, “Good luck to everyone who comes in our doors, you’ll be missed; I’ll remember all of your four years here.” 

Ariana Gutierrez, Staff Writer

Junior Ariana Gutierrez is a staff writer for the 2024-2025 Colonel Newsmagazine. She likes books, color guard, and talking…a lot.