Essentially, I love dealing with people. Two years ago, my school district went on a contingency budget. Until then, I had not taken much interest in the business of the school board. The year of the contingency budget was a wake up call for me about the importance of relaying positive information about our school to our community. Because our community had chosen not to support our budget, all of our sports programs were cut, advanced placement classes lost their funding, arts and music programs were discontinued, and several teachers were either encouraged to retire early, or simply dismissed from the district. Necessities were in short supply, especially at the end of the year during our paper shortage. Teachers were forced to give tests using overhead projectors and computers. I witnessed first hand the effect of students who were no longer compelled by their coaches and teammates to keep their grades up. The effects of our budget not passing were horrific, causing many in the district to lose their motivation to succeed. Since that year, I have taken an immense interest in the schools surrounding my district, as well as my own. For this reason, I will strive to report on important events concerning schools in the Capital Region. History lessons put to unique test
By Meghan Parmentier
Rosa Parks made history books as the "The Mother of the Modern-day Civil Rights Movement," but how many people will be educated on the self-entitled "Father of the Hudson High School Lunch Boycott?
Christopher Porreca, senior at Hudson High School, made a Facebook group and sent out bulletins on Myspace in early October to protest the low quality, small portions, and high prices of the school food. The Internet proved substantial and crucial to the boycott, announcing dates and encouraging participation.
"Sorry nacho lovers. But if me, being a fat kid, is willing to eat my brown bag lunch from home for the rest of the week, then so should you." Porreca generated a following of 44 members through the Facebook group alone. The group compared the price of Hudson High's lunch at $1.75 to the considerably lower price of the nearby Taconic Hill's $1.35 school lunch.
Porreca especially expressed disbelief at the price of a second lunch, claiming "I'm tired of spending almost five bucks on two lunches because one lunch won't fill me up!" Students were not allowed an alternative option either, other than the expensive snack bar that completely eliminated the sale of three warm cookies for $1.25, a popular favorite among all grades.
All students, even driving upperclassmen, are barred from leaving campus during their lunch periods.
Porecca spoke optimistically about the prospects that could result if more than a couple of students contributed. "I'm asking everyone to do their part and change the lunch and change the teachers' minds about us 'kids' never being able to accomplish anything as a team."
After boycotting the school lunches for two weeks with the motto "No buying of lunch equals no money for the school," and persuading a majority of the student body by posting "The school is exploiting our need to eat and has become an out of control monopoly. We're bringing the hammer down with everyone's help!" on Facebook, the cafeteria workers went to Mr. Francis Gavin to schedule a meeting with the student council.
The student council, senior government class, and instigator Porreca met with Mrs. Catherine Drumm to discuss a negotiation. The students took great pride in their accomplishment and pushed for expansive choices. "We made the school come to us." said Senior President of Student Council Samantha Hallenbeck while she spoke positively of the results.
The price of first lunches remained $1.75, but instead of concrete meals, students are able to choose from different entrees and side dishes. Also, four cookies are now offered for a dollar. Senior Thomas Merante felt that getting the cookies back and the lower pricesof second lunches were the most worthwhile outcomes.
Merante said the most impressive part of the boycott was the way everyone bonded together to help one another. The students fought against the disturbing contents of school lunches, and accomplished what teachers and administrators had not taken seriously in the beginning.
Mission complete.