Cafeteria Chronicles

At Jefferson Academy, lunchtime marks a daily shift from a rigorous academic focus to personal freedom. As students fill the commons, conversations spark, friends regroup, and the space fills with a special kind of noise and energy that doesn’t appear at any other time during the day.

For many students, lunch is a chance to unwind, socialize, and get things done before classes resume. While some rush outside to enjoy the weather, others stay inside, attend club meetings, or catch up on assignments.

“Everyone is doing something different at lunch,” junior Anna Waters explained. “It shows how diverse our school is in terms of personality, the things we do, and the friendships we make.”

While some students use their lunch time recreationally, others—like freshman Vida Arissian—often spend their free time studying and getting caught up with work.

“I like to work on leftover homework from my classes, like any science or math homework I have,” Arissian explained.

However, most students prioritize socializing with their friends, taking advantage of their only break during the school day.

“[It’s important] to catch up with my friends at lunch,” sophomore Swornim Bhusal added. “Especially when we don’t have classes together.”

Additionally, since the completion of JA’s track and field, students have more opportunities to have fun outdoors. Many enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities—especially the underclassmen.

“We play Clash Royale and then come outside to play soccer-tennis,” sophomore John Gray elaborated. “It’s made up, but it’s super fun.”

Although underclassmen don’t have off-campus privileges yet, upperclassmen embrace their freedom by leaving school during lunch. Junior Hannah Mehidic has even noticed a group of students working on a car in the parking lot.

“I absolutely enjoy the freedom I get during lunch because I can drive to places now,” Mehedic said. “During lunch, my friends and I go shopping a lot.”

Ultimately, upperclassmen or not, students treat their lunch time as sacred, each finding their own way to unwind and have fun.

“We have kids who play Clash Royale, make art, play games, blast music, and do all kinds of things,” Arissian emphasized. “There’s a place for everyone.”