At OHS, the dedication of the cafeteria staff extends far beyond meal preparation. For the lunch team, each day is an opportunity to engage with students, create memories, and cultivate a sense of community.
With diverse backgrounds, from Zumba instructors to former New Yorkers, all individuals have a unique story. Many of those working behind the lunch counter also have a personal connection to OHS that led them to their involvement in the lunch program.
“My mom just said I should go do it. My mom also worked in a kitchen way back when and she said it was the best nine years of her life… My daughter went here and that was part of the reason that I picked O’Connor,” said Judy Kimball.
Every staff member contributes their warmth to the cafeteria’s atmosphere. Familiarity with students’ preferences and routines develops a sense of belonging.
“For me, every day, what I make is the same: orange chicken, chow mein, teriyaki. But I like to do that because some kids show up every day. They are happy when I remember their order,” said Takako Kunikane.
There is a continuity attached to the job. The lunch ladies see the students every day, allowing them to witness adolescents growing and evolving throughout their time in high school.
“I just started this job but I’m so happy that I can see one kid for four years until they graduate. I like the cycle,” Kunikane said.
The lunch team shows compassion that extends beyond meal preparation. Their efforts in supporting students has a meaningful impact.
“We’re always friendly to them…. You don’t know what’s going on at home and they might not have money for lunch, and I know I always give them something whether I charge them or not. It’s not a big deal because that’s just what I do, I’m not going to let anybody go hungry,” said Elaine Pagliuca.
Student’s attitudes can also make a difference to the staff in ways they may not realize. Small gestures do not go unnoticed.
“Some kids don’t, but almost every kid says ‘thank you, please, how are you’, and that is so nice,” Kunikane said.
The lunch ladies also strive to foster community through interaction and conversation.
“I don’t talk to them like elementary kids. I talk to them like adults… It’s also a two-way street. I get a lot of compliments out of them. When you have them one-on-one, and you’re silly with them, they’re silly back, and respectful, you get a really good rapport,” Pagliuca said.
Behind the scenes, the job is more challenging than it may appear. The demands and numerous hours are often overlooked.
“They just think it’s serving. It’s a lot. It’s a hard job. It’s a very physical job. A lot of lifting, a lot of walking, you’re never sitting, because it’s always something,” Pagliuca said.
There is a strong sense of teamwork and unity among the crew. They are committed to uplifting each other and achieving their common goal of ensuring that the cafeteria runs smoothly.
“If I finished making my burgers and somebody fell behind preparing their hot dogs, we’ll just go to each other and help out,” Pagliuca said.
There is a great deal of thoughtfulness that goes into creating a menu. However, there must be a balance between variety and restrictions.
“We try to change the menu a little. Being a manager, I have to stay within the guidelines of the [United States Department of Agriculture] and the district. I try to incorporate new things, things that I think are trendy with kids,” Kimball said.
While preparing food, the kitchen is lively. Music plays on speakers as light-hearted inside jokes are made.
“Everything has to be baked in the oven. But we do have a new oven that we started using last year… She has a name, it’s Consuelo,” Kimball said.
The occasional criticism that the cafeteria food receives is noted by the cooks. Nevertheless, the fault should not be placed on them.
“We truly care for what we’re doing. We’re not trying to serve anything that’s not good. Unfortunately, our hands are tied. We have a big volume of food that we have to make. It’d be great if we could make it all fresh, but there’d be no way to get all that done and serve it. We try to make it as fresh and the best that we can,” Kimball said.
The lunch ladies’ presence goes beyond the OHS cafeteria, affecting students in ways they will carry with them long after they leave the lunch line.
“I enjoy interacting. We can’t make it very long because of the time, but we do try to make a bright spot in their day… I figured if I made somebody laugh and smile, that’s my biggest accomplishment,” Kimball said.
