For Sandy Seitz, a lunch lady here at MVHS, the day begins at 6:00 AM. Upon arriving, Ms. Seitz’s main focus is on breakfast. She prepares it and has it ready for distribution before first hour. After that, carts are rolled out into the halls and breakfast is again available after first and second hour.

Now lunch is the priority. They have from after second hour up to 11:12 to get the food ready for the first round of lunch. Following EXCEL, students begin pouring in, filing through the kitchen where all the lunch ladies scurry about, some continuing to prep food, some standing at the ready to hand meals out to students. Ms. Seitz waits by the computer, counting the students going through with food and preparing to approve payments from students getting extra snacks and such. This process is repeated twice more, then they clean up and head out at about 1:30 PM.

On some days, this routine is broken by the arrival of a food truck. The kitchen staff will then have to unload the truck before getting on with their usual day.

While this may sound stressful, the staff still has plenty of fun with it. Ms. Seitz says, “We have a lot of fun with our music. You never know when you might catch us all dancing.” She also shares that the staff, along with the students, are her favorite part of her job. Ms. Seitz greatly enjoys the friends she makes at her job as well as watching the kids “succeed in life.” She also expresses an appreciation of running into past students in places like Springfield or anywhere other than Mt. Vernon, and having them recognize her.

On the flip side, her least favorite part of her job is watching good kids really struggle with school. She also expresses a great distaste for waking up at 4:30 AM.

As of right now, there are 437 students enrolled in this school and the kitchen staff generally feeds around 180 of them breakfast, 220 of them lunch, and anywhere from 20 to 80 of them get an after school snack, according to the counts the staff conduct every day. Ms. Seitz says, “We cook 100 pounds of beef at a time. When we make cookies, some will take up to 100 pounds of flour and butter.” She also includes that they spend 1,500 to 2,000 dollars a week.

Throughout 25 years at Mt. Vernon, Ms. Seitz has seen many things come and go. One change she comments on is the adjustments in food regulations, and how she wishes they could once again be free to feed the kids anything they choose.

Finally, Ms. Seitz has some things she wishes to share with the students and faculty. She says, “Enjoy your job and life and don’t let the little things get you down.” She encourages everyone to “live life and enjoy every moment.”

The Green and White Review takes reader feedback

By Esmeralda Flores

There is nothing in this world that is more important to journalists than their readers and finding what could possibly interest them. A little look behind the curtain: some journalists have been struggling to find the story to write about. So, in a small survey emailed to the student body, we asked our readers for their input.

Sophomore Alyssa Davis suggests, “I personally love reading and think that The Green and White Review should do a short summary on new books that the library gets." What a beautiful idea that is! If a journalist decides to take this idea, perhaps they can do some advanced research on the books as well to let their book worms know exactly what they’re getting themselves into.

English II teacher Emily Sampson hopes for "a feature story about one or two students, staff members, admins, or teachers each issue...someone who exemplifies good character or has been caught doing something especially kind.” She adds, “If teachers have an especially interesting lesson or activity they are having students do, offer for them to share it and possibly share students' work (For example: a mock trial in American Govt)...A top 5 (or whatever number) section where each issue a survey of the school population produces a top five that changes each issue. Could be songs, artists, movies, ice cream flavors, Sonic drinks, hobbies, etc.”

“I would love pieces on what's happening in the community... Maybe even do a piece on a specific business to get them some free publicity. I know some places have been hit hard with Covid and could use some extra support. It might be a fun idea,” says Brook Olinger, speech and drama teacher.

Strength and Conditioning teacher Tom Cox explains, “I would like to get truthful answers (anonymous, if necessary) as to what a typical day looks like for our virtual students.” He also wonders, “how much time are they spending on their school work, what time are they working on it, are they doing it with other students? Are they enjoying the virtual experience? If so, what about it do they like? If not, what don't they like about it? What, if anything, do they miss by not being in school everyday?”

And last, but certainly not least, sophomore Leo Warren comes to say, “Maybe a topic could be about virtual students and missing assignments? I dunno, I've got over 16 missing assignments currently and I'm struggling a lot so I dunno. Maybe my suffering could give you guys something?”

All of these ideas are being considered, and one idea is already has already been taken up in this issue. Thank you so much to our readers for these suggestions.