Editor’s Note: For clarity, additional information was added from OH executive chef Natalia Lescic and the Panther Rally Cafe.
Every day, in the busy OH cafeteria, a special kind of hero is at work. From cooking, prepping meals, and serving students, our lunch staff works tirelessly to provide students with the proper nutrients to get them through their busy days. It’s easy for these individuals to go unnoticed amongst our school’s large staff.
“They take time out of their day to clean all of the tables and get rid of all the trash people leave out while making lunch for the people who can’t bring one to school,” said junior Maya Zamora.
Last year, the cafeteria underwent major renovations and was renamed the “Panther Rally Cafe.” It now offers a wide selection of entree options, flavored water, and self-service grab-and-go options.
“I think that’s the most exciting part when we got the chance to bring something new for the school program, ” said OH executive chef Natalia Lescic.
Life on the lunch team can be hectic, with prep starting well before the first lunch period. Every day, the staff takes hours to cook and clean before serving students. After lunch hours, the staff stays hard at work to prepare for the next day.
“It entails just prepping the food. I got all the hot food to prepare, and then all the cold food, and then I just kept up with the refills and took care of [students],” said OH cafeteria worker Janet O’Brien.
Despite various challenges, the food service staff continues to share their positive outlook on their work, commending students’ behavior while in the lunch lines.
“[The students] are so polite, and, you know, they’re just good kids,” said O’Brien.
Many students may think staff members don’t care about watching the students change over their high school years, but each year the lunch staff watches each student grow and become the person they are. In a way, they’re a constant in students’ busy lives.
“It’s fun to watch the kids when they come in as a freshman, so cute, and then when they’re seniors and they’re leaving it’s kind of sad,” said O’Brien.
While not interacting with the students, the lunch staff keeps a close bond with each other. With some employees working in the OH lunchroom for decades now, the staff is well acquainted with each other, creating a positive environment.
“It’s the people, it’s the students and my coworkers. They’re like a family to me,” said O’Brien.
Each staff member pours so much passion into their work. Through every challenge, shipment, and early morning, our staff is waiting in the cafeteria ready to serve with a smile.
“I think every single person that works on the line and the cooks in the back, are all doing their best, and they do it with their whole heart. They really like their job,” said Lescic.
Hello! I'm Fionnuala Quinn. I'm currently a senior at OHS and this is my third year of journalism. Apart from journalism, I am involved in Cross Country, Track and Field, Best Buddies, and horticulture club. I'm so thrilled to serve as EIC this year!
