At Park, lunch workers play an important role in creating a welcoming and positive school environment. Students say their kindness, energy, and daily interactions help make the school feel more connected and supportive. For many, these small moments of encouragement can brighten the day and make a meaningful difference.
Lunch worker Jake Schleppenbach said that not all students have support or positivity at home, so they try to be a source of encouragement for others. Their goal is to brighten someone’s day and make a positive difference whenever possible.
“Not everybody always has (a good environment) at home. So (I think it’s important to make) sure I can be a ray of light or do what I can to make the day a little bit better,” Schleppencach said.
According to junior Adrian Glasco Avila, the lunch workers always bring positive energy, making every interaction enjoyable and uplifting. Their cheerful attitude creates a welcoming atmosphere that leaves others feeling happy.
“(The lunch workers) have this positive energy around them. Every time I interact with them, I always feel this positive vibe, which just makes me happy,” Avila said.
Sophomore Hutton Newhall said the lunch workers’ friendly and cheerful attitudes help create a positive start to the day. Even during stressful moments, a brief conversation with them can lift students’ spirits and make them feel better.
“They always seem happy to see us, and that kind of sets a positive tone for the rest of my day and even if I’m stressed about a test or something, talking to them for a minute makes me feel a little better, Newhall said.”
According to Scheppenbach, everyone at Park has a role in supporting one another and working toward shared goals. They believe their role is to contribute positively and help strengthen that sense of unity.
“We’re all in a community. We’re all one (at Park). We’re all doing this together. We should all play our role, and I think that’s my role,” Scheppencach said.
Avila said being greeted by the lunch workers makes students feel recognized and valued. Their kindness and positivity have a meaningful impact that may be greater than they realize.
“I like being greeted by (the lunch workers). It makes you feel like you’re known or you’re seen. Their positivity has a bigger impact than they probably know,” Avila said.
According to Newhall, the lunch workers help create a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable being. They go beyond serving food by making sure everyone feels included and valued.
“They help create the kind of environment where people actually want to be here and they make it feel like they’re not just people serving food. They make sure everyone is welcomed,” Newhall said.
