The following interviews were conducted in Spanish and have been translated for your reading convenience.

The lunch staff at Rock Hill play a vital role in the daily operations of the school. These individuals work tirelessly in the bustling kitchen and vibrant cafeteria, crafting meals to ensure students are nourished and ready to learn.

When students sit down for lunch, they may not consider the people who prepared and served their meals. Whether it’s a pizza, a salad, or a coffee, a committed team works behind the scenes to ensure everyone has something to eat.

“I like being here at Rock Hill and working in the cafeteria because I just feel good here,” Greens and Grains cashier Maria Villalva said.

Most of the time, lunch staff are on their feet for hours at a time, moving quickly to serve food and keep things running smoothly. Villalva, who has worked at Rock Hill for over a year, finds fulfillment in her role and appreciates the camaraderie among her coworkers.

“My coworkers are so great and the students are always respectful,” Villalva said. “I like where I am and I have fun.”

Counselor Trejo, a barista at Union Coffee who has worked at Rock Hill for two years, also values her position in the cafeteria.

“I like working in the cafeteria because I enjoy talking to both students and teachers,” Trejo said.

Though Trejo doesn’t have any children at Rock Hill herself, she likes learning about students.

“It’s refreshing to hear about different people’s day every day,” Trejo said.

Despite the important role they play, they rarely receive the recognition they deserve. Students might not think to thank them for their hard work, but the reality is, without the lunch staff, school wouldn’t run the same.

By taking a moment to express our gratitude for their hard work and commitment, we not only acknowledge their contributions but also encourage our community to appreciate and respect those who appreciate and respect us. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in making their efforts feel seen and valued, reinforcing the importance of kindness and recognition in our school.