The Breakfast Debate

With busy mornings and early start times, breakfast is often the first thing students sacrifice. However, after speaking with students across multiple grade levels, it’s clear that what they eat, or don’t eat, before school can greatly impact their focus, mood, and energy throughout the day. 

Freshman Ashley Hawes usually arrives between 7:55 and 8:10 a.m., and she explained that getting to school earlier makes it easier to grab something to eat. Hawes also shared that eating at school actually makes her mornings less stressful.

“I only eat [breakfast] when I get here really early,” stated Hawes. “I love the breakfast here. It makes me feel less rushed at home because I know I’ll still have something to eat.” 

Skipping meals can often impact a student's focus.

“Breakfast is really important, especially for development,” reflected Hawes.

 Everyone has their go-tos in the morning. Hawes stated that if she could change anything about the breakfast at school, she would add more to the menu.

“I would add more cinnamon rolls, they’re my favorite!” Hawes exclaimed.

Freshman Delaney Dalpe shared a similar experience but typically eats at home. Arriving around 7:50 a.m., Dalpe affirmed that she only eats school breakfast if she gets there earlier than usual.

“[I would skip breakfast if] I was running late or didn’t wake up on time,” Dalpe shared. 

Senior Arina Alexeyev offered a slightly different perspective. Alexeyev typically arrives at school around 8:18 a.m. and eats breakfast at home.

“I have to wake up earlier if I want to eat breakfast right when I wake up,” explained Alexeyev. 

When discussing how breakfast impacts her day, Arina strongly emphasized its impact.

“Breakfast is very important. It definitely affects my mood and energy throughout the day,” stated Alexeyev.

 Although Alexeyev would not change much about the school’s breakfast itself, she did point out that more students might participate if it was more known.

“I wouldn’t really change anything. I appreciate that it’s free, but I think there should be more advertising because I wasn’t aware of it until now,” Alexeyev said. 

Sophomore Liam King realized that timing is his biggest challenge. Arriving at school around 7:50 a.m., King usually eats at home because it is easier.

“It doesn’t really give me enough time to eat breakfast at school,” stated King. 

When King skips breakfast, it is typically because he is running late. However, he notices a clear difference on the days when breakfast is skipped.

“On days I eat breakfast, I’m more energized and focused. Without breakfast, I’m tired and hungry,” explained King. 

While King appreciates that the school offers free breakfast to everyone, King admitted he is not always impressed with the options.

“Some of it is not very filling. My favorite is the cinnamon rolls,” said King.

As students across grade levels shared their experiences, one theme remained consistent: whether it is cinnamon rolls or simply having enough time in the morning, breakfast plays a major role in helping students feel focused, energized, and ready to learn.

King shared: “Breakfast is important. It nourishes your body and starts the day off right.”